Rees Quinn > Quotes

“As Walt Disney was fond of saying, “It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.”
― Rees Quinn, Disney

“Walt Disney can take over television any time he likes. Yesterday afternoon, in a special holiday show at 4 o’clock over N.B.C., he momentarily relaxed his ban against television appearances by Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Pluto and the Seven Dwarfs. The result was one of the most engaging and charming programs of the year, an hour of make-believe that was altogether wonderful. As will surprise nobody, Mickey and his friends in Disneyland are perfect for TV. It’s not just that the cartoons reproduce superbly on the small screen of television. But after several years of video puppets, it is heady wine for a television viewer suddenly to partake of the imaginative fantasy and enticing humor which are the stamp of Mr. Disney’s genius. From 4 to 5 o’clock yesterday all ages could relax and laugh together.”
― Rees Quinn, Disney

“To keep the business going, Disney moved out of his apartment and into the Laugh-O-Gram offices, where he slept on a pile of pillows. This experience also inspired his most enduring creation. “They [mice] used to fight for crumbs in my wastebasket when I worked alone late at night,” he said. “I lifted them out and kept them in wire cages on my desk. I grew particularly fond of one brown house mouse. He was a timid little guy. By tapping him on the nose with my pencil, I trained him to run inside a black circle I drew on my drawing board.” Disney named the mouse Mortimer.”
― Rees Quinn, Disney

“You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you.”
― Rees Quinn, Disney

“Disney showed the drawings to Lillian and told her he was going to call the little fellow Mortimer Mouse. She declared the name “too pompous,” and suggested Mickey instead. Mickey Mouse sprang to life as the potential savior of the Disney studio. The Disney team went to work.”
― Rees Quinn, Disney