Laugh-O-Gram Studio, founded by Walt Disney in 1921, was an early venture into the world of animation that laid the groundwork for what would become a global entertainment empire. Despite its short lifespan, the studio played a crucial role in shaping Disney's future endeavors. This article explores the history of Laugh-O-Gram Studio, from its inception to its eventual bankruptcy, and how it influenced the creation of iconic characters like Mickey
Mouse.
The Birth of Laugh-O-Gram Studio
In 1921, a young Walt Disney was contracted by Milton Feld to create a series of animated shorts known as Newman's Laugh-O-Grams. Encouraged by their local popularity, Disney decided to establish his own studio, Laugh-O-Gram Films, in Kansas City, Missouri. The studio was incorporated on May 23, 1922, using the remaining assets from the defunct Iwerks-Disney Commercial Artists, with financial backing from local investors.
Disney's vision for Laugh-O-Gram was to produce modernized versions of classic fairy tales. The studio's first project was an animated adaptation of Little Red Riding Hood, which took six months to complete. Disney's team included future animation pioneers such as Ub Iwerks, Hugh Harman, and Rudolf Ising, who would later contribute significantly to the animation industry.
Financial Struggles and Bankruptcy
Despite the initial success of Newman's Laugh-O-Grams, Laugh-O-Gram Studio faced significant financial challenges. The studio secured a contract with Pictorial Clubs, Inc. for six animated shorts, but the distributor went bankrupt, leaving Disney without the promised payment. This financial blow forced Disney to live in the studio and bathe at Union Station.
In a last-ditch effort to save the studio, Disney produced a dental hygiene film called Tommy Tucker's Tooth, which provided some financial relief. However, it was not enough to sustain the studio, and Laugh-O-Gram filed for bankruptcy in July 1923. Disney sold his camera and moved to Hollywood with an unfinished reel of Alice's Wonderland, marking the end of Laugh-O-Gram Studio.
Legacy and Influence
Although Laugh-O-Gram Studio was short-lived, its impact on Disney's career was profound. The experience gained and the relationships formed during this period were instrumental in the founding of the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio, the predecessor to the Walt Disney Company. Disney later credited a tame mouse he kept at his desk at Laugh-O-Gram as the inspiration for Mickey Mouse, one of the most iconic characters in animation history.
The story of Laugh-O-Gram Studio has been depicted in films such as As Dreamers Do and Walt Before Mickey, highlighting its significance in Disney's journey. Today, efforts to preserve the historic McConahay Building, where the studio was located, are ongoing, ensuring that the legacy of Laugh-O-Gram Studio continues to be remembered.
