15 unforgettable minutes: without the intervention of this cinema legend, this legendary Disneyland attraction would never have seen the light of day 59 years ago

Joan Crawford was one of the queens of the Hollywood golden age. When we remember the Oscar -winning actress of the novel by Mildred Pierce, it is not just her good cinematographic career that comes to mind: she was also known for her legendary quarrel with Bette Davis as well as controversies after the release of very expensive mom. But as Collider reminds us, a chapter of Crawford's life is however often forgotten: the one where she contributed to the construction of one of the most emblematic attractions of Walt Disney, It's A Small World.

Joan Crawford contacted Walt Disney on behalf of Pepsi

When we think of the relationship of Joan Crawford With Pepsi-Cola, it is difficult not to rethink the sadly famous scene of Very expensive mom which takes place during a meeting of the board of directors of the sodas giant. However, Crawford did have a privileged relationship with Pepsi. After her marriage to Alfred Steele, future chairman of the board of directors of Pepsi, she became an active member of the company. After the death of Steele, she was herself appointed to the board of directors and devoted a lot of time to the company.

While the actress was in full reign, Walt Disney also knew an economic boom. Having already revolutionized the experience of thematic entertainment with Disneyland, Mickey's dad found himself in great demand for the organization of the 1964 Universal Exhibition in New York.

Disney was obviously one of the most respected storytellers in the world at the time thanks to its exceptional techniques, both on the screen and in the famous amusement park. Many companies involved in the fair then contact him to help them develop their experiences – including Pepsi. And it is Joan Crawford who called the office of Walt Disney.

A first refusal

Just see Crawford's performance in The novel by Mildred Pierce To understand the power of the actress. However, when she contacted Disney for the first time in order to consider a possible partnership, her request was rejected. It turned out that she had not spoken to Walt Disney In person, but rather to Joe Fowler, a Disney executive.

Then working for Wed Enterprises (which will later become Walt Disney Imagineering), Fowler thought that the company was already too busy to get involved in another project. However, a few weeks later, Walt Disney crossed Joan Crawford During a party, and the star complained to him. Disney was not even aware of the call and after an argument with Fowler, he agreed to associate himself with Pepsi to create a new experience for the Fair. But there again problems have occurred and it is ultimately Joan Crawford who has settled everything.

It's a small world after all

Indeed, once the partnership with Disney has been established, there were still some obstacles to overcome. It is important to recall that Disneyland had only a few years of existence at that time, and despite the way in which society had revolutionized the landscape of amusement parks (and continues to do it today), all leaders did not take the ideas of Walt Disney seriously. When representatives of Wed Enterprises arrived in the offices of Pepsi to discuss their project for the attraction, a executive of Pepsi praised the team with sarcasm by telling Joe Fowler:

“” “Well, that your boss therefore decided, in terms of automated mouse, which might interest us ? ” But the Disney team did not have to worry.Joan Crawford intervened and put these two boys back in their place.»

Indeed, the talents of persuasion of Joan Crawford helped to redirect the meeting towards a positive meeting and, according to Fowler, she intervened with brilliance in order to help to merge Disney's ideas with those of Pepsi, thus consolidating what was going to become It's a Small World.

Crawford's heritage is complex. The adulated actress has experienced ups and downs throughout her career, but in the midst of all this hide many treasures. His major contribution to the best known attraction in Disneyland is rarely celebrated, but without her, this emblematic and adored attraction of 15 minutes, which has marked so many childhoods, especially with her music impossible to forget, would never have seen the light of day.