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Thursday, December 14, 2017

Original Production Animation Cel of Wendy and Michael Darling from "Peter Pan," 1953


Original hand inked and hand painted production animation cel of Wendy and Michael Darling from "Peter Pan," 1953, Walt Disney Studios; Set over a lithographic background; Size - Wendy & Michael Darling: 6 3/4 x 6", Image 7 1/4 x 9"; Unframed.

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“Well a mother, a real mother, is the most wonderful person in the world. She's the angel voice that bids you goodnight, kisses your cheek, whispers, "Sleep tight."” ―Wendy Darling

The author J. M. Barrie first used Peter Pan as a character in a section of the adult novel "The Little White Bird" in 1902. He returned to that character with his stage play entitled "Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up," which premiered in London on December 27, 1904. The play ran until 1913, and it was later adapted by Walt Disney for the animated feature film entitled, "Peter Pan," in 1953.

The main characters of "Peter Pan" Peter and Wendy were animated by Milt Kahl and Eric Larson. Kahl did the majority of the animation sequences with Larson working mainly on the flying to London sequence, as well as some animation work on both Wendy Darling and Captain Hook.

Milt Kahl was not very excited about his assignment for "Peter Pan." He had to animate both Peter Pan and Wendy Darling; two characters that had to be handled like real human beings and therefore would be a great challenge. “Peter was interesting in that you had to make him fly but after that was over he became a chore,” said Kahl. "Peter Pan's" supervising animator, Ron Clements, remembered that for years Milt Kahl resented the fact that animator Frank Thomas was assigned the character of Captain Hook instead of him. It is interesting to note that Peter Pan is one of the most interesting male protagonists of the early Walt Disney films because he is very heroic, opinionated, and has a zeal for life. Kahl’s animation of him totally embraces those characteristics as well as his great grace, expert timing, all combined with a very appealing artistic design.

Bobby Driscoll was the first actor Walt Disney ever put under contract, and was cast to play the lead character in the 1946 film "Song of the South." The film would introduce live action into an extensive animation based film. The film was very successful and turned Driscoll, and his co-star Luana Patten, into overnight child stars! The pair were even discussed for a special Academy Award as the best child actors of the year. Driscoll went on to appear in a large number of specials and to star in some of The Walt Disney Company's most popular live-action pictures of that period, such as "So Dear to My Heart" in 1948, and in the role of Jim Hawkins in "Treasure Island" in 1950. This last role earned him a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 1953, he served as animation model and provided the voice for the title role in "Peter Pan," Driscoll's last major success. Driscoll was cast opposite Disney's "Little British Lady" Kathryn Beaumont, who was in the role of Wendy Darling.

Michael Darling is the youngest of the three Darling children and the brother of Wendy and John. Both Michael and John, having been told by Wendy, believe that Peter Pan is a real person; and they both act out make-believe battles between Peter Pan and his villain Captain Hook in the Darling nursery.

Michael was animated by master Walt Disney artist, Ward Kimball. The voice of Michael was provided by Walt Disney director Hamilton Luske's young son, Tommy. Tommy also provided the voice for a young pansy flower in "Alice In Wonderland." This cel occurs when Peter Pan offers to take Wendy to Never Land, but she wants Peter to take John and Michael as well. The dialog for the scene is below:


Original production animation cel of Wendy and Michael Darling without the background.

This is a very beautiful and expressive cel of both Wendy and Michael Darling. Both characters are eyes open and smiling. Michael sits in Wendy's lap in his pink pajamas, and still wearing his red Indian paint. The cel is from the scene when Wendy sings to Michael and the Lost Boys about a real mother, and creates a feeling of love and of being homesick. The song "Your Mother and Mine," was composed by Frank Churchill and Winston Hibler. An outstanding piece of vintage Walt Disney animation artwork that is perfect for any collection!

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