I know it’s late, but I wanted to share this wonderful 1951 Christmas card created by the Walt Disney Studios. I posted it recently on my Disney’s Story of Robin Hood Facebook page, and it’s a perfect example of how Disney blended holiday cheer with movie promotion. The card features some of my favourite Disney films from that era. The cover shows Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and his nephews carolling in front of the Little House. When you open it up, you’re treated to a scene with classic Disney characters riding a train, with the upcoming year's calendar displayed on the train cars. On the back, there's an ad for the upcoming Disney films Peter Pan (the animated feature) and The Story of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men (the live-action film).
Each year, Disney Studios created a new holiday card designed by in-house talent. The card showcased the beloved characters of the moment and promoted upcoming projects.
When you unfold this card, you see Robin Hood and Peter Pan represented. The Story of Robin Hood, starring Richard Todd, was released in the USA in June 1952, while Peter Pan didn’t reach theatres until February 1953.
The artwork on this card was painted by the talented Eyvind Earle, known for his distinctive style that adds a unique touch to this holiday greeting.
