Brer Rabbit. Uncle Remus. "Song of the South." Racist?
Disney thinks so. And that's why it has forbidden the theatrical
re-release of its classic film "Song of the South" since 1986.
But is the film racist? Are its themes, its characters, even its
music so abominable that Disney has done us a favor by burying the
movie in its infamous Vault, where the Company claims it will
remain for all time?
Disney historian Jim Korkis does "not" think so.
In his newest book, "Who's Afraid of the Song of the South?,"
Korkis examines the film from concept to controversy, and reveals
the politics that nearly scuttled the project. Through interviews
with many of the artists and animators who created "Song of the
South," and through his own extensive research, Korkis delivers
both the definitive behind-the-scenes history of the film and a
balanced analysis of its cultural impact.
What else would Disney prefer you did not know? Plenty.
Korkis also pulls back the curtain on such dubious chapters in
Disney history as: Disney's cinematic attack on venereal disease
Ward Kimball's obsession with UFOs Tim Burton's depressed stint at
the Disney Studios Walt Disney's nightmares about his stomping an
owl to death Wally Wood's Disneyland Memorial Orgy poster J. Edgar
Hoover's hefty FBI file on Walt Disney Little Black Sunflower's
animated extinction
Plus 10 more forbidden tales that Disney wishes would go
away.
Whether you're a film buff, an armchair academic, or a Disney
fan eager to peek behind Disney's magical (and tightly controlled)
curtain, you'll discover lots you never knew about Disney.
With a foreword by Disney Legend Floyd Norman, "Who's Afraid of
the Song of the South?" is both authoritative and entertaining.
Jim Korkis is the best-selling author of "Vault of Walt," and
has been researching and writing about Disney for over three
decades. The Disney Company itself uses his expertise for special
projects. Korkis resides in Orlando, Florida.