The 1941 Disney Studio strike has always been the touchiest subject in Disney history. So much so that many Disney artists refused to discuss it to their last day. In 1980, while preparing his book Disney von Innen, Klaus Strzyz decided to explore both sides of the conflict. Art Babbitt representing the strikers, of course, and Ward Kimball the non-strikers. Ward’s point of view, as always, is particularly fascinating, because while he was part of Walt’s inner circle, his attitude towards the “Mousetro” was always less respectful than that of many, giving his testimonies a more critical, sometimes cynical, perspective. Not a more objective perspective, mind you, but one that uncovers, without a doubt, more shades of gray from the life of the Studio.
