The twentieth and final episode of The Disney Family Album highlights the Disney Story Men, the unsung heroes responsible for crafting the stories that shaped Disney animation. Originally airing on The Disney Channel in January 1986, this episode features Vance Gerry, Larry Clemmons, and Jack Hannah, all longtime Disney storytellers.
The Unsung Heroes: Disney’s Story Men
As Larry Clemmons aptly stated, “An animator can’t pick up his pencil until a writer gives him something to animate.” This sentiment underscores the pivotal role that story artists play in the animation process. They are the architects of narrative, crafting the plots, dialogues, and character arcs that animators bring to life. Without their foundational work, the enchanting tales we associate with Disney would not exist.
Vance Gerry: The Visionary Storyboard Artist
A master of visual storytelling, Vance Gerry played a key role in developing Disney’s storyboarding process. His ability to translate scripts into dynamic visuals helped shape some of Disney’s most iconic films, including:
- One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961)
- The Sword in the Stone (1963)
- The Jungle Book (1967)
- Robin Hood (1973)
- The Rescuers (1977)
Because of his keen sense of composition, Gerry was one of the most respected storyboard artists in Disney history.
Larry Clemmons: The Master Storyteller
Joining Disney in the 1930s, Larry Clemmons started as an animator before transitioning to the story department. Walt Disney personally selected him to work on some of the studio’s most significant films, including:
- The Aristocats (1970)
- Robin Hood (1973)
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977)
- The Fox and the Hound (1981)
Because of his sharp storytelling instincts, Clemmons played a major role in crafting dialogue and character development for these classics.
Jack Hannah: The Animator and Director
Starting at Disney in 1933, Jack Hannah made his mark as both an animator and director, working on some of the most beloved Disney short films. He played a key role in defining the comedic personality of Donald Duck and directed dozens of Donald Duck shorts, including:
- Duck Pimples (1945)
- Donald’s Dilemma (1947)
- Chip an’ Dale (1947)
- Toy Tinkers (1949)
Hannah later moved into Disney television, helping shape The Mickey Mouse Club and working with Walt Disney Imagineering on Disneyland projects.
Legacy of the Story Men
The contributions of Vance Gerry, Larry Clemmons, and Jack Hannah exemplify the collaborative spirit that defines Disney’s storytelling magic. Their ability to craft compelling narratives laid the groundwork for the timeless animated features that continue to captivate audiences today.
Watch Disney Story Men on SamsDisneyDiary
📺 Watch the Disney Family Album episode on SamsDisneyDiary.
Don’t miss any of the Disney Family Albums: Clarence “Ducky” Nash, The Missing Episode, Ward Kimball, Sherman Brothers, Jim MacDonald, Milt Kahl, Ken Anderson, Disneyland Designers, Eric Larson, Peter and Harrison Ellenshaw, Wolfgang (Woolie) Reitherman, Frank Thomas, Voice Actors, WED Imagineers, Golden Horseshoe Revue, Ollie Johnston, Annette Funicello, Marc Davis, The Milotte’s and the Beebe’s, Fess Parker / Buddy Ebsen
Disclosure
The Disney Family Album episodes are provided for historical reference only and are not monetized on any video platform. These videos amplify my love of Disney and Disney Parks, serving as an educational resource to celebrate the creativity and legacy of Disney’s greatest storytellers. All rights to the original content remain with The Walt Disney Company. No copyright infringement is intended.
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