Product Review

The Patriotic Story of a Little Plane in a Big War

Between them, Disney animator Woolie Reitherman and Disney artist Retta Scott worked on such classic films as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Fantasia, Dumbo, Cinderella, The Jungle Book, and many others.

When they weren't working for Walt, they were busy with projects of their own — like this long-lost, charming tale of a little plane called B-1st whose brave debut is threatened by America's enemies.

Reitherman and Scott put the finishing touches on their humble masterpiece in September 1941, shortly before the United States entered World War II. It's been in the proverbial attic since then, unseen and forgotten, until Disney historian Didier Ghez discovered the gently yellowing manuscript last year.

The original drawings by these two Disney legends are faithfully reproduced here, along with the message they wished to share with a country on the verge of war, one that is still relevant today: be prepared, B-1st.