Bill Peet

Bill surrounded by many of his characters that he created for his children's books.

Let me tell you a little about Bill Peet and why he is a bit of a legend in my eyes. Bill Peet was a storyman and artist for the Walt Disney studios while Walt was still alive. Bill was the only storyman to storyboard and write an entire feature length cartoon on his own--he actually did this for two films: 101 Dalmations and Sword in the Stone. Walt had enough trust in him to allow him to do this. If you watch the old feature lengths, when it credits "story" there is usually a long list of contributors, but with Dalmations and Stone it's just Bill. Incredible! He had amazing talent; such a keen sense for what would work in a sequence or a "bit." 101 Dalmations is an underrated masterpiece. If you haven't seen it in a while, go back and watch it again. It will amaze you.

Walt disapproving of one of Bill's ideas.

Sadly, though, Bill and Walt did not always see eye to eye. Bill wrote a fabulous autobiography in which he detailed the many trials, tribulations and joys he endured while working with Walt. He loved Walt, but he saw the gruff side of Walt that many people don't like to talk about. Bill actually wrote and illustrated Merlin from Sword in the Stone after Walt: loving and jovial one minute, quick to lose temper the next.

Walt or Merlin?

Bill did not back down during storyboard sessions and ultimately left the Disney studios after he and Walt disagreed one too many times. He went on to write a number of children's picture books, many of which I own. I love Bill Peet. He is one of those guys from Disney history that really fascinates me and continues to inspire my love affair with Walt's past.

Bill with Kathryn Beaumont, the model and voice for Alice, going over storyboards.