Sleeping Beauty (1959)

About Sleeping Beauty

This is a magical fairy tale produced by Walt Disney. The film depicts the story of a beautiful princess named Aurora. She falls into a deep sleep due to the curse of an evil fairy, Maleficent. The only way to break the spell is through a kiss of her true love. The prince braves through the evil fairy and her curses till he rescues the princess with his love's kiss.

Making / Production

The film took almost a whole decade to come to realization. Walt Disney started working on it after World War II, in 1951. After eight years of hardwork, it was released in 1959. It was the last to use hand-inked cels and the first to be shot in Technirama widescreen process.

Actors

• Mary Costa as Princess Aurora / Briar Rose - Costa brought a gentle yet powerful voice that lifted Aurora's character on the screen.
• Bill Shirley as Prince Phillip - Shirley’s voice provided the gallant and brave disposition for Prince Phillip.
• Eleanor Audley as Maleficent - Audley gave life to the character of the vengeful fairy, making her one of Disney’s most memorable villains.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• 'Sleeping Beauty' is the first animated film to be shot in Super Technirama 70 widescreen process.
• The character design for Aurora was inspired by Audrey Hepburn.
• It was re-released nine times between its premiere in 1959 and 1995.

Awards

The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Scoring of a Musical Picture. Additionally, it received the Grammy Award nomination for Best Soundtrack Album.

Quotes

• "I know you, I walked with you once upon a dream." - Princess Aurora
• "True love conquers all." - Narrator
• "Now shall you deal with me, O prince, and all the powers of hell!" - Maleficent

Music and Soundtrack

• 'Once Upon a Dream' performed by Mary Costa and Bill Shirley
• 'Sleeping Beauty Waltz' instrumentally performed by The Orchestra
• 'Hail to the Princess Aurora' performed by the chorus