Growing up with NINE OLD MEN | Directed by Ted Thomas | Restored by Borsu Highson | Documentary

About the Film Growing Up with Nine Old Men (2013) is a heartfelt documentary directed by Theodore (Ted) Thomas, son of legendary Disney animator Frank Thomas. In this film, Ted embarks on a journey to reconnect with the children of Walt Disney’s famed “Nine Old Men,” delving into their unique childhoods and the legacies of their fathers. Through intimate interviews and personal anecdotes, the documentary offers a rare glimpse into the lives of the families behind Disney’s golden age of animation. Backstory The inspiration for this documentary stemmed from Ted Thomas’s desire to understand his father’s world and the experiences of those who shared similar upbringings. By connecting with the offspring of the Nine Old Men, Ted sought to capture the essence of growing up in the shadows of animation legends. The film was initially released as a bonus feature on the Peter Pan Diamond Edition Blu-ray in the U.S. and later included in The Jungle Book re-release in Europe. Disney’s Nine Old Men – Brief Biographies Walt Disney’s “Nine Old Men” were the core animators who played pivotal roles in creating Disney’s classic animated features. Here’s a brief look at each: • Les Clark: The only one to work on Mickey Mouse from the beginning, known for his work on Steamboat Willie and Lady and the Tramp. • Marc Davis: Renowned for animating iconic characters like Maleficent (Sleeping Beauty) and Cruella de Vil (101 Dalmatians), and for his contributions to Disneyland attractions. • Ollie Johnston: Co-author of The Illusion of Life, he brought characters like Mr. Smee (Peter Pan) and Prince John (Robin Hood) to life. • Milt Kahl: Known for his precise draftsmanship, he animated characters such as Shere Khan (The Jungle Book) and Madame Medusa (The Rescuers). • Ward Kimball: Recognized for his more eccentric style, he animated Jiminy Cricket (Pinocchio) and the Mad Hatter (Alice in Wonderland). • Eric Larson: Beyond animating, he mentored new talent, shaping the next generation of Disney animators. • John Lounsbery: His work includes animating characters in Fantasia and The Jungle Book, and he later directed Winnie the Pooh and Tigger Too. • Wolfgang “Woolie” Reitherman: Transitioned from animator to director, overseeing films like The Jungle Book and The Aristocats. • Frank Thomas: Co-author of The Illusion of Life, he animated memorable scenes such as the spaghetti dinner in Lady and the Tramp and characters like Captain Hook (Peter Pan). All nine were named Disney Legends in 1989, honoring their monumental contributions to animation. Disclaimer: Property of the Walt Disney Company and Disney Enterprises, Inc. Edited and enhanced by ‪@borsu.animation‬ for educational purposes only. This channel is not affiliated with or endorsed by The Walt Disney Company or any of its subsidiaries. #growingupwithnineoldmen #nineoldmen #waltdisney #handdrawnanimation #traditionalanimation #disneyanimation #miltkahl #borsuhighson #borsuanimation #disneyanimatedclassics #marcdavis #frankthomas #olliejohnston #ericlarson #wardkimball #lesclark #wooliereitherman #dickwilliams #richardwilliamsanimation #animatorssurvivalkit #illusionoflife