65th Anniversary of 101 Dalmatians!

Welcome to a SPECIAL EDITION of the Piece of Advice Newsletter!

Good morning! Today we are celebrating the 65th anniversary of one of my personal favorite Disney films, “101 Dalmatians”! I was even lucky enough to ask Cate Bauer who voices “Perdita” in the film, her best piece of advice!

When “101 Dalmatians” hit theaters in 1961, it brought a fresh, modern flair to Disney animation and introduced one of the most iconic villains in cinematic history: Cruella de Vil. But the story actually began with a 1956 novel by British author Dodie Smith titled “The Hundred and One Dalmatians”. Smith, a lifelong dog lover, was inspired by her own pet dalmatians; one of whom a friend joked could provide enough fur for a coat. That offhand remark sparked the idea for a children’s adventure packed with drama, love, and a daring rescue.

Walt Disney himself was charmed by the story and immediately snapped up the rights. At the time, Disney animation was facing serious financial challenges following the costly production of “Sleeping Beauty”. Determined to cut costs without sacrificing creativity, the studio leaned into new Xerox technology, which allowed animators to skip hand-inking each frame and directly photocopy their pencil sketches onto cells. This gave “101 Dalmatians” a distinctive sketchy, contemporary look that was a sharp departure from the ornate style of earlier Disney films that Walt Disney himself initially HATED.

Behind the scenes, legendary animator and story artist Bill Peet streamlined the novel into a tight, humorous screenplay, and composer George Bruns infused the score with jazzy charm. The animation team, including the great Marc Davis (who helped bring Cruella to life), embraced the film’s urban London setting and stylish designs. It was also one of the first Disney films to place modern technology and television into its storyline, giving it a timely, relatable edge for audiences of the early 1960s.

“101 Dalmatians” was a runaway hit upon release, becoming one of the studio’s most successful films of the decade and helping secure the future of Disney animation. Critics and audiences praised its clever storytelling, memorable characters, and groundbreaking animation style. Over the years, it has spawned a live-action remake, a sequel, television spinoffs, and countless pieces of merchandise. But at its heart, it remains a tale of bravery, family, and the enduring power of puppy love!

Bonus Question:

Giancarlo: What was it like working on “101 Dalmatians”?

Cate Bauer: Fun!

Piece Of Advice:

Giancarlo: What is this best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Cate Bauer: Live your life with empathy and kindness. You learn more with your ears open and your mouth closed.

Thank you for reading! Have an amazing day and we will catch you again tomorrow!

-Giancarlo