Main content

Mel Giedroyc explores Walt Disney鈥檚 very own magic kingdom - Disneyland, an innovation that would revolutionise the idea of the American amusement park.

Through the stories of ten of his greatest works, Mel Giedroyc examines the life of Walt Disney, a much mythologised genius. A man to whom storytelling was an escape from an oppressive father and a respite from periods of depression.

His name is truly iconic, but how much do we really know about this titan of the entertainment industry? Who was the real Walt and why did a man who moulded Western pop culture in his image end up on his deathbed, afraid that he鈥檇 be forgotten?

In this episode, Mel tells the tale of Walt鈥檚 most outlandish project to date, a project that would see his magic leap off the screens. This is the story of Disneyland, one of Walt鈥檚 most personal triumphs.

During the construction phase, Walt applied a 鈥渟pare no expense鈥 approach, determined to create a magical kingdom that was truly extraordinary. A building project like no other, Disneyland would revolutionise the idea of the American amusement park, make the Disney company financially viable at last and allow fans from all over the world to engage with and celebrate Walt鈥檚 creations.

A Novel production for 大象传媒 Radio 4

Available now

29 minutes

Last on

Thu 17 Aug 2023 16:00

Broadcast

  • Thu 17 Aug 2023 16:00

Walt Disney: How much do you really know about the man behind the mouse?

Walt Disney: How much do you really know about the man behind the mouse?

Nine things we learned from Walt Disney: A Life in Films.

Podcast