<P> At this time, Disney also encouraged his staff to see a variety of films . These ranged from the mainstream, such as MGM's Romeo and Juliet (1936)--to which Disney made direct reference in a story meeting pertaining to the scene in which Snow White lies in her glass coffin--to the more obscure, including European silent cinema . Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, as well as the two Disney films to follow it, were also influenced by such German expressionist films as Nosferatu (1922) and The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1919), both of which were recommended by Disney to his staff . This influence is particularly evident in the scenes of Snow White fleeing through the forest and the Queen's transformation into the Witch . The latter scene was also inspired by Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1931), to which Disney made specific reference in story meetings . </P> <P> Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs premiered at the Carthay Circle Theatre on December 21, 1937, to a wildly receptive audience, many of whom were the same naysayers who had dubbed the film "Disney's Folly". The film received a standing ovation at its completion from an audience that included Judy Garland, Marlene Dietrich and Charles Laughton . Six days later, Walt Disney and the seven dwarfs appeared on the cover of Time magazine . The New York Times said, "Thank you very much, Mr. Disney". The American entertainment trade publication Variety observed that "(so) perfect is the illusion, so tender the romance and fantasy, so emotional are certain portions when the acting of the characters strikes a depth comparable to the sincerity of human players, that the film approaches real greatness ." </P> <P> Following successful exclusive runs at Radio City Music Hall in New York City and a theater in Miami in January 1938, RKO Radio Pictures put the film into general release on February 4 . It became a major box - office success, earning four times more money than any other motion picture released in 1938 . Snow White proved equally popular with foreign audiences . In September 1938--seven months after the film's nationwide release in the United States--Variety also reported that the animated feature was having a remarkably long box - office run at theaters in Sydney, Australia . In that city it noted, "Walt Disney's' Snow White' (RKO) experienced no difficulty at hitting 11 weeks, with more ahead ." Variety reported as well that Snow White was having even longer runs in other cities overseas, such as in London, where the film had generated greater box - office receipts than during its exclusive New York screenings at Radio City Music Hall: </P> <P>' Snow White' (RKO) is in its 27th week at the New Gallery, London, and will continue to be shown through the regular London release dates, Sept. 19 for North London, and Sept. 26 for South London . There is a likelihood that the New Gallery first - run will run until Christmas . Picture reported to have exceeded $500,000, passing Radio City's five - week mark, which just fell short of the $500,000 mark . </P>

Story of snow white and the seven dwarfs with pictures