28 min
10. The Jungle Book & EPCOT Walt Disney: A Life in Films
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- Society & Culture
Through the stories of ten of his greatest works, Mel Giedroyc examines the life of Walt Disney, a much mythologised genius. A man to whom storytelling was an escape from an oppressive father and a respite from periods of depression.
His name is truly iconic, but how much do we really know about this titan of the entertainment industry? Who was the real Walt and why did a man who moulded Western pop culture in his image end up on his deathbed, afraid that he’d be forgotten?
In this final episode, Mel explores Walt’s final years. Despite chronic health problems, Walt was a whirlwind of activity. As he drew towards the end of his life he reflected on his legacy, “Fancy being remembered around the world for the invention of a mouse”, he once lamented. It turns out Walt had other ideas.
Not content with his domination of the entertainment industry, Walt decided he was going to take it upon himself to reimagine the modern American city. It would be the culmination of his entire life’s work.
The Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow or EPCOT, was to be a truly utopian antidote to the trials and tribulations of modern urban living. Out of all his achievements, it was EPCOT Walt believed he would really be remembered for.
Alongside his audacious plans to revolutionise the city, Mel reveals that Walt also had time for one final film, his classic take on Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book.
A Novel production for BBC Radio 4
Through the stories of ten of his greatest works, Mel Giedroyc examines the life of Walt Disney, a much mythologised genius. A man to whom storytelling was an escape from an oppressive father and a respite from periods of depression.
His name is truly iconic, but how much do we really know about this titan of the entertainment industry? Who was the real Walt and why did a man who moulded Western pop culture in his image end up on his deathbed, afraid that he’d be forgotten?
In this final episode, Mel explores Walt’s final years. Despite chronic health problems, Walt was a whirlwind of activity. As he drew towards the end of his life he reflected on his legacy, “Fancy being remembered around the world for the invention of a mouse”, he once lamented. It turns out Walt had other ideas.
Not content with his domination of the entertainment industry, Walt decided he was going to take it upon himself to reimagine the modern American city. It would be the culmination of his entire life’s work.
The Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow or EPCOT, was to be a truly utopian antidote to the trials and tribulations of modern urban living. Out of all his achievements, it was EPCOT Walt believed he would really be remembered for.
Alongside his audacious plans to revolutionise the city, Mel reveals that Walt also had time for one final film, his classic take on Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book.
A Novel production for BBC Radio 4
28 min