PBS Presents In Search of Excellence - Disney Traditions (1984)

This 1984 PBS episode is part of a miniseries adaptation of the 1982 book In Search of Excellence. The book by Thomas J. Peters and Robert H. Waterman Jr.was a response to the economic decline of the Jimmy Carter recession. It focused on 8 different American companies that proved the individual is what makes a company, not the collective. Some of these companies include IBM, Apple, McDonald's, 3M, and of course one of these successful companies showcased was the Walt Disney Company.

What's interesting about this documentary is that it focuses on Walt Disney Productions at a time when we're told they were on the brink of collapse yet you wouldn't think so from the information presented here. Perhaps the narrative we've been fed about Disney history isn't entirely accurate. Maybe overexerting itself on the construction of EPCOT Center is what was most responsible for what led to the Eisner regime taking over the company.

This documentary focuses on how Walt Disney Productions still upheld Walt and Roy's values. These included putting the customer first, excelling beyond their expectations, and how well they treated their employees almost like a family. Attention is drawn to how much Walt's company still celebrated its legacy as they welcomed new employees into the fold.

The entire film is such a contrast from how Woke Disney does things in the 21st century.

Original airdate January 16, 1985

Posted for historical purposes. This channel is not affiliated with the Walt Disney Company.