Does Disney own the rights to Hello Dolly?
Asked by
andrew (
16543
)
July 5th, 2008
Interesting that they would “quote” another artistic work in Wall•E, especially given their own history with copyright.
Of course, I suppose it was Pixar that included it, and Disney is in no position to tell Pixar what to do.
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8 Answers
Hello, Dolly! was produced by Chenault Productions and distributed by Twentieth Century-Fox. Disney does not have any connection with the work. I’m assuming that the clip they used was short – I haven’t seen Wall•E yet, it comes out here later than the US – but if it was then it may well have constituted fair use, especially if they attributed it in the credits. They likely sought permission beforehand. For more information on copyright fair use in the US, see this document from the Copyright Office.
PS: Interesting video.
They got permission:
“Fortunately, some of our executives at Pixar knew some other executives at Fox [the studio that released “Hello, Dolly!”] and they were able to negotiate something.”
From the closing of this article in the LA Times.
I literally cannot wait to see this film now.
You mean you “figuratively” cannot wait.
Sorry. It’s the ex-English teacher in me.
Why wouldn’t Fox want kind of “product placement”, considering Pixar’s track record thus far? Kind of a flashback to the studio system where they used to loan out stars.
Interesting link rh, I’ve been wondering that since I saw the movie and just didn’t have to the time to go searching. Thanks.
As an aside, Andrew, Disney became a lot more careful with their copyrights since the 60’s. Originally, the rocket jets in Tomorrowland at Disneyland were named the “Astro Jets”. American borrowed the term, copyrighted it and Disney was forced to drop it. Ironically, Walt apparently had no hard feelings about it, because he asked AA to sponsor the Tiki Room when it first opened (for a million, a huge amount back then). It didn’t make much sense, as AA didn’t go to Hawaii or the South Pacific until 1970. United was the leader in that area before deregulation and has always been a great rival of AA. Perhaps it was to encourage United to pick up the deal more quickly.
@AstroChuck: Meez no noes Englsih! :)
Seesul – You are the resident Disneyphile on this site. Mickey and Donald must kowtow to you.
‘tother way around. Donald is my soulmate, especially the frustrated Donald.
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