How do the people in South America remember Walt and members of El Grupo?
For those in their 70s and 80s who personally met Walt or El Grupo members, their memories and stories are vivid and fresh, and in each family the drawings or sketches that were done as gifts and mementos are valued heirlooms. And quite often, these detailed stories come from an encounter of just a few hours. Q: Tell us a bit of the premiere of “Fantasia” in Rio, the scene and audience reaction. A: RKO, Disney’s distributor in that period, timed the opening of “Fantasia” with the Disney party’s stay in each of the respective countries they visited. As a result, Walt was going to premiere after premiere. The one in Rio was the first, and the film was very well received. It was presented as a charity benefit for the favorite charity of the first lady of Brazil, Mrs. Vargas. Unlike the tepid response the picture had gotten in the U.S. on its initial release, it was a significant hit throughout Latin America. Copyright Disney. All Rights Reserved Q: “Pedro,” a short in “Saludos Amigos” abo
