The Walt Disney Company has honoured the 60th anniversary of the iconic ‘It’s a Small World’ song with the release of a poignant short film, ‘The Last Verse’.
The three-minute and 30-second film by adam&eveDDB will premiere on the American ABC as part of a two-hour documentary event, The Untold Story of Mary Poppins: A Special Edition of 20/20, which commemorates the 60th anniversary of Walt Disney Studios’ Mary Poppins for which the Sherman Brothers earned Academy Awards for Best Original Song and Best Original Score.
‘The Last Verse’ not only pays tribute to the enduring legacy of the Sherman brothers, Richard and Robert, who composed the iconic song for ‘It’s a Small World’ but also introduces a brand new verse that was written by Richard Sherman for the 60th anniversary and shared with Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger in the summer of 2023.
“As the legendary creators of some of the most cherished music of the past century, the Sherman brothers will be remembered for their profound impact on our global culture,” said Iger.
“Hearing Richard Sherman recite the final verse to ‘It’s a Small World’ before he died will be a moment I will carry with me forever. This beautiful short film is our tribute to their immeasurable musical contributions, their memory, and to the countless memories they helped create for generations of people around the world.”
The unique short film takes viewers on a journey through the past 60 years of the song’s history, showcasing its impact on global pop culture and highlighting the various genres of music it has influenced.
Chock full of rarely seen footage, photos, and stories from the film’s living legends, the film is a sweet remembrance of the enduring, first-of-its-kind movie magic, irresistible songs, and remarkable scores the Sherman brothers created, serving as a heartfelt tribute to the late Richard Sherman, who passed away in May this year.
Renowned director Henry Alex Rubin, known for his award-winning documentary Murderball, helmed the project. Rubin’s talent has earned him 95 Cannes Lion wins and five Emmy nominations. His recent accolades include the AICP awards for his work on Sandy Hook’s ‘Just Joking’ and Dove’s ‘Cause’.
‘The Last Verse’ is a must-watch for Disney enthusiasts and theme park lovers of all ages. From the swinging 60s to the present day, the film captivates audiences with its portrayal of the song’s evolution over the decades. Whether you have lived through this period or simply appreciate the magic of Disney, this film is sure to resonate with you.
The short film is available to stream on Disney+ beginning November 28th, as well as on YouTube and social media.
Credits:
Disney
President, Disney Entertainment, Studio Marketing and Chief Brand Officer: Asad Ayaz
SVP, Brand Management: Joanna Balikian
VP, Brand Marketing: Mallory Wang
Director, Brand Marketing: Tim Pennoyer
Senior Manager, Brand Marketing: Jenise Fretz
EVP, Marketing: Frank Chiocchi
VP, Creative Director: Joshua Dunn
Executive Producer: Paige Bonanno
Creative:
Creative Agency: adam&eveDDB NY & London
Chief Creative Officer: Rick Brim
Creative: Gaby Grant
Creative: Jane Barker
Joint Head of Production/Producer: Nikki Cramphorn
Assistant Producer: Catarina van Leuven
Managing Director: James Rowe
Business Director: Traci Feller
Business Director: Erin Brogan
Head of Business Affairs: Matthew Friday
Business Affairs Manager: Layla Husted
Legal Counsel: Tom Campbell
General Legal Counsel: Candice Macleod
Director: Henry Alex Rubin
Film Production Company: Smuggler
Director of Photography: Mathieu Plainfosse
Executive Producer: Tom Knight
Producer: Ray Leakey
Offline Edit House: Assembly Room
Online Postproduction: Selected Works
Colour Grade Company: Company 3
Music: Soundtree Music
Audio Studio: 750mph
Overseas Service Company: Tickle