Today we wanted to commemorate a sad day, and pay tribute to a television and 20th century entertainment icon and legend who's amazing impact on the medium is still being felt today.
Walt Disney passed away 50 years ago today, on December 15, 1966. In our minds, his death marked the end of an era of the amazing and tumultuous 1960's decade. The decade almost played out like a three act play, with the first part of the decade of hope and optimism of the 'Camelot' era, encompassing the first four years: 1960 through 1963, ending with the assassination of President Kennedy.
The second phase of 'Flight' of the 1960s was one of progress and accomplishment, running from 1964 through 1966. The country 'grew up' during this time, with great strides in space exploration, the World's Fair in Flushing New York, economic boom time and American financial and global power that reached its zenith in the summer of 1966, and an explosion of pop culture and entertainment, a portion of which was exemplified by the incredible success of the Walt Disney Corporation.
Although no one knew it at the time, that cultural American high peaked in 1966, and would usher in a more 'Somber' third phase of the 1960s from 1967 through 1969 that would foretell what was to come in the 1970's. In many ways, the hope, optimism and sky high, linear, unending progress that Americans had come to enjoy and expect post War would waver and pivot as 1966 came to a close, and in many ways, the death of Walt Disney was symbolic of that 'end of an era'. It truly was a close to the 'good times' era, and only now, in retrospect, can we really see that in all its glory and melancholy sadness.
The impact Walt Disney (and his Disney Corporation), had on television, the entertainment industry, and the American culture (and world wide culture) cannot be underestimated. He was truly one of the great men of the 20th Century, and although we paid tribute to him here at Television Vanguard last December (2015), we could not let this day go by without commemorating him one more time.
Rest in peace Walt Disney.
This video clip is presented here on RU-vid for the entertainment and informational value of the viewer, and no copyright infringement is intended. We want to thank the fine folks at PBS and American Masters productions, of which this video clip originated. The full length show can be seen on PBS from time to time (it was first broadcast fall 2015) on your local PBS station, and can be ordered in DVD format online at PBS.org.
Thank you Walt.
14 дек 2016
