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November 10, 2009

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Letter: Disney a hero in many ways

Friday, Dec. 14, 2001 | 9:36 a.m.

Howard Kleinberg's recent column, "Disney offered escape from reality," evoking sweet memories of Walt Disney, reminded me to share a few secrets of his character.

His contracts were sealed with the shake of a hand. Only when he was near death were they reduced to writing.

Disneyland today looks just like the day it was built. Everything had to be kept "like new" and painted, repaired, or replaced constantly.

He shielded himself and his artists from the dreck of business to protect their creativity. His brother Roy took care of all business and financial matters.

Sometimes he licensed/franchised the use of one or more of his characters to new businesses. If they failed, he often returned the money.

Even though he drank alcoholic beverages in private, in public he did not let drinks be seen on the table, so as to set a good example for the youngsters.

Walt paid himself the going rate for producers of first-run movies. Though he was often scorned by the Hollywood elite, time has shown that he was worth more than they were.

Walt remains one of my idols who keep me going when other public figures depress me.

LORRIN PETERSON Pahrump

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