ROY O. DISNEY
A Closer Look
A poll taken in 1952 found Dwight D. Eisenhower to be the most admired living American, a World War II hero who played a key role in the victory of the Allied Forces. In 1952 the country was in the middle of the Korean War and the McCarthy Hearings, and there were reports of widespread political corruption. Ike pledged to end the war and clean up Washington. His campaign was the first to use short, well-produced TV ads. How much credit should they get for his victory?
About the Media
I Like Ike was produced by Roy Disney of Disney Studios in 1952 for the presidential campaign of Republican candidate Dwight D. Eisenhower. This was the first year short television spots were broadcast for a presidential campaign, and Disney used animation to make his ad cheery and humorous. The Democratic candidate, Adlai Stevenson also ran TV ads, but his were considered less effective. Eisenhower won the election by a landslide.
About the Artist
Roy Oliver Disney co-founded The Walt Disney company with his younger brother, Walt. Roy was Walt's business partner and an important supporting figure to him. While Walt did the dreaming, Roy did the financing; making sure that enough money was available for their business. A statue of Roy O. Disney, seated on a park bench beside Minnie Mouse is located in Town Square at the Magic Kingdom.
Write About It
- Make a list of what you see and hear in the TV commercial.
- How does the producer use the elements and principles of design?
- What is your opinion of the television commercial? How does it make you feel?
