Winter
"The final chapter in the spectacular seasonal cycle of Silly Symphonies!"
Plot
As the final installment in the Silly Symphonies' seasonal cycle, the film depicts a forest blanketed in snow where woodland creatures engage in rhythmic winter festivities. Bears attempt to hibernate but are frequently interrupted by the antics of smaller animals, while raccoons deal with persistent sneezing fits and moose navigate icy waters. The centerpiece of the short features a large gathering of animals ice skating and dancing in synchronized patterns to classical arrangements. The plot culminates with the animals surrounding a groundhog to observe its shadow, a traditional omen used to determine if they should continue their winter slumber or prepare for an early spring.
Director
About the Production
This short was the 14th Silly Symphony produced and served as the conclusion to the four-part seasonal series that began with 'Springtime' (1929). Production was notably impacted by the departure of key staff members Ub Iwerks and Carl Stalling earlier in the year, leading to Burt Gillett taking over directorial duties. The film was distributed by Columbia Pictures during a period when Disney was still establishing the Silly Symphonies as a brand distinct from the character-driven Mickey Mouse shorts.
Historical Background
Released in 1930, 'Winter' arrived during the early years of the Great Depression. At this time, the film industry was rapidly transitioning to sound, and Disney was at the forefront of 'synchronized' sound cartoons. The Silly Symphonies series was specifically designed as an experimental playground where Disney could test new animation techniques without risking the popularity of his primary star, Mickey Mouse.
Why This Film Matters
The film is significant for completing Disney's first thematic 'quadrilogy,' proving that animated shorts could be marketed as part of a larger conceptual series. It helped refine the 'mood piece' style of animation, which prioritized rhythm and environmental storytelling over traditional narrative, a style that would eventually influence segments of 'Fantasia' (1940).
Making Of
The production of 'Winter' occurred during a transitional phase for the Disney studio. Following the exit of Ub Iwerks, Walt Disney had to rely on a new generation of animators to maintain the high technical standards of the series. Director Burt Gillett focused on enhancing the 'gag' elements of the film, though contemporary critics felt it leaned more heavily on atmosphere than humor. The synchronization of the music was handled by Bert Lewis, who had to fill the void left by Carl Stalling's departure, utilizing a 'click track' method to ensure the animators' drawings perfectly matched the musical beats.
Visual Style
As a black-and-white animated short, the 'cinematography' is defined by its use of high-contrast backgrounds to simulate a snowy environment. The film uses 'overlapping drawing' to create a sense of depth and fluid movement that was revolutionary for 1930.
Innovations
The film utilized the 'click track' technology to achieve perfect synchronization between the animation and the musical score. It also showcased early experiments in character weight and 'squash and stretch' as animals interacted with the slippery ice and deep snow.
Music
The score, arranged by Bert Lewis, features a medley of classical and popular winter-themed pieces. Notable selections include James Pierpont's 'Jingle Bells', Émile Waldteufel's 'The Skaters' Waltz', Arthur de Lulli's 'The Chop Waltz', and Hans Engelmann's 'Dance of the Goblins'.
Memorable Scenes
- The groundhog emerging from its hole to see its shadow while the other animals watch in anticipation.
- A group of animals performing an elaborate, synchronized ice-skating routine to 'The Skaters' Waltz'.
- The opening sequence of the wind blowing through the trees, causing them to 'dance' and sway rhythmically.
Did You Know?
- It is the fourth and final film in the seasonal cycle, following Springtime, Summer, and Autumn.
- The film features a 'Groundhog Day' sequence, which was a relatively early depiction of the tradition in animation.
- Unlike many other early Silly Symphonies, this short was not released on the 9.5mm 'home movie' film gauge at the time.
- The animation features early examples of 'overlapping action,' a technique where different parts of a character's body move at different rates to create a more fluid appearance.
- The short was released in New York alongside the RKO feature 'Half Shot at Sunrise'.
- The film entered the public domain on January 1, 2026.
- Animators on the project included Disney legends such as Les Clark, David Hand, and Norm Ferguson.
What Critics Said
Initial reviews were somewhat mixed compared to earlier entries. The Film Daily (December 1930) remarked that it 'doesn't stand up with previous releases,' noting that while the synchrony and animation were average, it 'lacks gags for laughs.' Modern historians, however, appreciate it as a vital step in the evolution of Disney's seasonal storytelling and technical fluidity.
What Audiences Thought
Audiences of the era generally enjoyed the Silly Symphonies for their novelty and musicality. 'Winter' was well-received for its whimsical depiction of animals, though it did not achieve the breakout success of later shorts like 'Three Little Pigs'.
Film Connections
Influenced By
- The Skeleton Dance (1929)
- Vivaldi's Four Seasons (Thematic influence)
- Traditional American Folklore
This Film Influenced
- Fantasia (1940)
- Bambi (1942)
- Olaf's Frozen Adventure (2017)
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Film Restoration
The film is well-preserved and has been digitally restored. It was included in the 'Walt Disney Treasures: More Silly Symphonies, Volume Two' DVD collection released in 2006.