Lot 457
Disney, Walt. Original cel from "The Grain That Built a Hemisphere" Inscribed and Signed, "To Ken from Walt" in purple pencil on the matte, n.p., n.d. The image depicted is El Castillo, also known as Temple of Kukulcan, from Chichen Itza, anarchaeological site and sacred city of ancient Maya Yucatan, Mexico. Visible portion of the cel is 8¼" x 11"; the original matte is cut to maintain Disney's signature and inscription. Matted and framed to an overall size of 18½" x 22½". There are some white specks in the blue background and Disney's script is a little light but quite legible. An "Original WDP" seal is rubber-stamped at the lower right corner of the matte opening, showing that the background is by Courvoisier, whose label is affixed to the back, guaranteeing that this cel "is an original painting on celluloid, actually used in the Walt Disney Production of 'The grain that built a Hemisphere'. …" The 1942 documentary was nominated for an Oscar in 1943. Released by Walt Disney Studios in 1943, the war-time cartoon sings the praises of corn and places emphasis on its place in the history of American Indians and Aztecs.
The "Ken" to whom the cel was inscribed was producer Kenneth MacGowan. He started his career as a drama critic, then became a stage producer with Eugene O'Neill's Provincetown Playhouse. He moved to Hollywood and produced many prestigious films, although he was usually only credited as an associate producer. In 1946, he retired from the industry to chair the Department of Theater Arts at UCLA. Later he wrote books on drama and film, most notably Behind the Screen, a history of cinema. He also had a keen interest in archaeology.
Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,500.
From the estate of Kenneth MacGowan.
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