Original unused Walt Disney Productions (WDP) job application package from 1936, issued by veteran studio animator George Drake, who supervised Disney’s training program and recruitment efforts and, according to Walt Disney biographer, Neil Gabler, was ‘the most hated man at Disney.’ Drake mailed the package to Milt McKenzie, an aspiring animator from Texas who ultimately never filled out the included paperwork, which includes: two blank “Application for Employment” sheets; a 7-page form letter from WDP detailing the company’s various departments, roles, procedures, and ethics; a 3-page form recruitment letter from WDP for prospective studio artists; two blank artistic material submission release forms for WDP; and two matching ‘problem’ packets (3 pages and 4 pages), each with three sections requesting that the applicant draw various scenes and sequences, as well as answer questions related to the applicant’s sense of humor, writing experience, and movie preference. Although McKenzie seemingly neglected to complete the first and third sections, he did finish three of the four required drawing sequences from Section II: Mickey walking a tightrope; Mickey and Goofy playing leapfrog; and Mickey kicking a football. McKenzie’s finished drawings for these sections are included with the application, as are two typed letters from Drake, one of which is signed “Geo. H. Drake,” both one page, vintage illustrated 8.5 x 11 WDP letterhead with “Mickey Mouse Sound Cartoons” header. The signed letter, dated June 29, 1936, finds Drake returning McKenzie his drawings “as we have had no reply from you.” The second letter is a form letter sent as part of the application package that was originally sent to McKenzie on May 8, 1936. In overall fine condition, with some scattered stains and edgewear. A fascinating glimpse into Disney’s intensive hiring process dated a year before the company’s breakthrough full-length feature debut, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
