Origins Of five (5) famous Disney films

The Disney Company, with its vast influence and appeal, has captured the hearts of billions of people worldwide with its enchanting films. However, you might be surprised to learn that some of Disney's most famous titles have their origins in real events and unconventional stories. Here are five Disney films that, if they had remained true to their source material, might not have been suitable for children.

1. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs:

In 1937, Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs became an instant classic. The film portrays the story of Snow White, who escapes her jealous stepmother's attempt on her life and finds refuge with the Seven Dwarfs. The wicked queen eventually tricks Snow White into consuming a poisoned apple, which is later dislodged by a prince's kiss, leading to their happily ever after. However, the original tale, penned by the Brothers Grimm in 1812, ends quite differently. In the original, the prince doesn't kiss Snow White back to life. Instead, a series of disturbing events, including the wicked queen being forced to wear red-hot iron shoes and dance until she dies, unfold. The gruesome ending is far from the version children adore today.

2. Pocahontas:

Disney's Pocahontas, released in 1995, raised eyebrows due to its controversial portrayal of historical events. The film tells the story of a young Native American woman, Pocahontas, who falls in love with a British captain, despite her father's disapproval. The plot centers around the clash between the British settlers and Native Americans. The real Pocahontas, however, had a different life. She was born as Mitaka Pocahontas in 1595 to a Native American tribe in Virginia. Her brave act of saving the English explorer John Smith as a child is well-known. Later in life, she married a tobacco planter named John Rolfe in exchange for her freedom, but she never had the romantic relationship depicted in the film. She traveled to England, where she passed away at a young age, and her death remains shrouded in mystery.

3. Tangled:

Tangled, released in 2010, is a charming Disney story about Rapunzel, a princess with magical hair, held captive in a tower. She longs to explore the outside world and ultimately falls in love with a thief who helps her escape. The film portrays a happy ending, but the original story by the Brothers Grimm was far darker. In their version, Rapunzel becomes pregnant and is cast out into the wilderness. When the prince discovers her, she heals his blindness, but she lives alone and in despair in the wilderness. The Disney adaptation certainly lightened the tale.

4. Pinocchio:

Disney's 1940 film Pinocchio tells the story of a wooden puppet who longs to be a real boy. The character's transformation from puppet to real boy, aided by Jiminy Cricket, offers a heartwarming story. In the original Adventures of Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi, the puppet Pinocchio exhibits disobedience, disrespect, and malice throughout, often enduring torture and abuse. Collodi originally intended for Pinocchio's story to end in a hanging, which was considered far too dark for Disney's adaptation.

5. Winnie the Pooh:

Winnie the Pooh, the lovable teddy bear created by A.A. Milne, was inspired by a real bear in London Zoo. Milne's son, Christopher Robin, named his teddy bear Winnie the Pooh, leading to the creation of the beloved character. Many fans believe that the characters in Winnie the Pooh's Hundred Acre Wood represent various mental disorders. While this theory remains unconfirmed by the creators, it's intriguing to consider the deeper meanings behind these beloved characters.

In summary, Disney's enchanting films may have been born from surprising and even grim origins. Through their creative adaptations, Disney has turned these stories into beloved classics suitable for all ages.