Offered here is an intriguing pair of original 1956 Buena Vista Film Distribution Co., Inc. documents relating to the international distribution of two classic Walt Disney motion pictures: 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and The Littlest Outlaw.
These are genuine period business documents from the early years of Disney's independent film-distribution operation, not modern reproductions or commemorative memorabilia.
DOCUMENT 1 — 20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA
Dated January 16, 1956
Issued on Buena Vista Film Distribution Co., Inc. letterhead
Addressed to a Danish film distributor in Copenhagen
References the licensing agreement dated March 3, 1955
Concerns distribution rights for Disney's landmark 1954 live-action adventure film, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
Includes handwritten signatures
Includes the additional thin-paper copy shown in the photographs
DOCUMENT 2 — THE LITTLEST OUTLAW
Dated May 28, 1956
Issued on Buena Vista Film Distribution Co., Inc. letterhead
Addressed to the same Danish distributor
References a licensing agreement dated April 7, 1955
Concerns Disney's 1955 live-action film, The Littlest Outlaw
Includes handwritten signatures
WHY THIS LOT IS SPECIAL
These documents offer a fascinating glimpse into the business side of Walt Disney's motion-picture history during the 1950s.
Buena Vista was Disney's own distribution operation, established during the studio's transition away from its previous distribution arrangement with RKO. These surviving papers document the practical work of licensing Disney films for distribution in international markets.
The Danish connection adds another layer of historical interest, linking the Disney studio to its overseas distribution network.
Unlike a movie poster or a piece of mass-produced merchandise, these are business records created for actual distribution transactions. They may appeal to Disneyana collectors, film-history enthusiasts, autograph collectors, archival-document collectors, and researchers interested in the development of Disney's international film business.
CONDITION
Both documents show the expected characteristics of vintage business paperwork, including age-related toning, handling, and filing or staple holes.
Please examine all photographs carefully. The documents are offered in the condition shown.
The original handwritten signatures are present. Individual signers should be identified and independently authenticated where required by the buyer; no third-party authentication certificate is included unless specifically shown.
The thin-paper copy associated with the January 1956 document is included as pictured.
WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE
One January 16, 1956 Buena Vista document relating to 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, with the associated thin-paper copy shown
One May 28, 1956 Buena Vista document relating to The Littlest Outlaw
Both documents will be carefully protected for shipment.
A UNIQUE PIECE OF 1950s DISNEY HISTORY
An opportunity to acquire two period documents connecting Walt Disney's film-distribution business with its international partners.
Buy It Now with Best Offer available.
Free shipping within the United States.
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