104 – Dumbo

Returning from the realm of classical collaborations, film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Sam Summers take a trip to the circus with Walt Disney Animation Studios’ big-eared elephant classic: 1941’s Dumbo. In class 104, we talk the film’s ‘fast and cheap’ approach, trip out on the legendary Pink Elephants sequence, discuss how it improved the studio’s fortunes, and attempt to reclaim our hero’s rightful name: Jumbo Jr.

Content warning: contains discussion of racist depictions and stereotypes in Dumbo between 14:35 and 27:12.

Next week’s film: Bambi.

Disniversity is brought to you by Ben Travis (@benstravis) and Sam Summers (@samsummers0), with art by Olly Gibbs and music by Nafets. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @disniversity. This podcast is not affiliated with Disney.

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Welcome to Disniversity, the podcast crash course through the history of Disney’s animated classics, with film journalist Ben Travis and animation academic Dr. Sam Summers. Each week, we’ll be moving forward in time through the legendary Walt Disney Animation Studios catalogue, watching every feature film in chronological order – from Snow White to Frozen II. Watch along with us, and listen as we explore each film’s historical context, advances in animation and lasting legacy, and talk about how they stand up today.