Disney Honors 60 Years of ‘It’s A Small World’ via adam&eveDDB

The Walt Disney Company has honored 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-30-second film by adam&eveDDB will premiere on the US ABC as part of a two-hour documentary event, The Untold Story of Mary Poppins: A Special Edition of 20/20which celebrates the 60th anniversary of Walt Disney Studios’ Mary Poppins which the Sherman Brothers won Academy Awards for Best Original Song and Best Original Score.

‘The Last Verse’ not only celebrates the lasting legacy of Sherman brothers Richard and Robert, who composed the iconic song for ‘It’s a Small World’, but also introduces a brand new verse 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 beloved music of the last century, the Sherman Brothers will be remembered for their profound influence on our global culture,” said Iger.

“Hearing Richard Sherman recite the last verse of ‘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 last 60 years of the song’s history, showing its impact on global pop culture and highlighting the different genres of music it has influenced.

Packed full of rarely seen footage, photos and stories from the film’s living legends, the film is a sweet reminder of the enduring, first-of-its-kind movie magic, irresistible songs and remarkable scores the Sherman Brothers created, and serves as a heartfelt tribute to the late Richard Sherman, who died in May of this year.

Renowned director Henry Alex Rubin, known for his award-winning documentary Murderball, was behind the project. Rubin’s talent has earned him 95 Cannes Lion wins and five Emmy nominations. His recent accolades include 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 depiction of the song’s evolution through the decades. Whether you lived through this period or simply appreciate the magic of Disney, this film is sure to resonate with you.

The short film can be streamed on Disney+ from November 28, 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 Production Manager/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 Advisor: Tom Campbell
General Counsel: Candice Macleod

Director: Henry Alex Rubin
Film Production Company: Smuggler
Photographer: Mathieu Plainfosse
Executive producer: Tom Knight
Producer: Ray Leakey
Offline Edit House: Assembly Room
Online Post Production: Selected Works
Color Grade Company: Company 3
Music: Soundtree Music
Audio Studio: 750 mph
Overseas Service Company: Tickle