In March, Disney executive chairman Bob Iger confirmed that Song of the South would not be released on the company’s new streaming service, Disney+, because it was “not appropriate in today’s world,” reported Tom Grater for Deadline. But the film’s 1986 theatrical run proved to be its last public outing, and after that year, it remained locked away in the so-called “ Disney Vault.”
#Log flume ride movie#
Walter White, then-executive secretary of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), sent telegrams to newspapers arguing that the movie “helps to perpetuate a dangerously glorified picture of slavery” and “gives the impression of an idyllic master-slave relationship which is a distortion of the facts,” according to the Oakland Museum of California.Ī lobby card for the 1972 rerelease of Song of the South Public domain via Wikimedia Commonsĭisney rereleased Song of the South multiple times in the decades following its premiere. While some African American reviewers praised the film, others criticized its depictions of black characters. Song of the South debuted at the racially segregated Fox Theatre in Atlanta on November 12, 1946. Black servants speak in stereotypical vernacular and are portrayed as subservient to white plantation owners in an overtly racist, romanticized depiction of Southern life, writes Allegra Frank for Vox. The film also features Hattie McDaniel, the first black person to win an Oscar in 1940, she took home the Best Supporting Actress trophy for her portrayal of “Mammy” in Gone with the Wind.īest known for the song “ Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah,” the movie paints a rosy picture of a post-Civil War era Georgia plantation. “While the ride is considered a beloved classic history and storyline are steeped in extremely problematic and stereotypical racist tropes,” the petition stated.Ĭombining live-action and animated elements, Song of the South centers on Johnny, a young white boy who learns life lessons from a formerly enslaved man named Uncle Remus (played by James Baskett). Recently, more than 20,000 people signed a petition asking Disney to change Splash Mountain’s theme.
We're thrilled to share Splash Mountain at & will be completely reimagined with a new story inspired by an all-time favorite film, “The Princess and the Frog.” Learn about what Imagineers have in development: /DV6476KAVX- Disney Parks June 25, 2020ĭisney’s decision arrives amid weeks of protests against racism and police brutality, as well as increased calls for corporations to reckon with their roles in perpetuating racism. “The new concept is inclusive-one that all of our guests can connect with and be inspired by, and it speaks to the diversity of the millions of people who visit our parks each year.” “he retheming of Splash Mountain is of particular importance today,” says Disney in a statement. The animated musical is set in New Orleans and stars Anika Noni Rose as Tiana, Disney’s first black princess. The attractions will be “completely reimagined” as celebrations of 2009 film The Princess and the Frog. Last week, Disney announced plans to drop Song of the South references from Splash Mountain rides at Disneyland in California and Magic Kingdom Park in Florida. But even as criticism of the 1946 musical mounted, the entertainment conglomerate continued to profit from Splash Mountain, its beloved Song of the South-inspired log flume ride, which debuted at Disney theme parks in 1989. Below, read our 2020 article about Splash Mountain and its controversial history.ĭisney’s Song of the South has long been deemed too racist for public release. Per a statement, the ride will open in late 2024 as Tiana's Bayou Adventure, a “musical adventure” that follows characters from the 2009 film The Princess and the Frog as they prepare to host a “one-of-a-kind Mardi Gras celebration” in New Orleans. Editor's Note, January 23, 2023: Over two years after the Walt Disney Company announced plans to reimagine Splash Mountain, a ride inspired by the racist 1946 film Song of the South, the entertainment conglomorate has officially closed the attraction.
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