When humorist Robert Benchley decides that Kenneth Grahame’s book The Reluctant Dragon would make a great film, without a shred of reluctance he decided to visit the The Walt Disney Studios lot in Burbank, California to sell Walt on the idea. At least that’s the story portrayed in the 1941 Disney movie version of The Reluctant Dragon. Benchley’s scripted and humorous tour gives audiences a rare inside look into the workings of Walt Disney Productions as he visits various locations on the lot, such as the sound effects stage, camera department, dialogue stage, and story and animation departments. By the end of the film, audiences are treated to a finished version of the The Reluctant Dragon cartoon short, which was later released on its own. During Benchley’s tour of the Disney lot, audiences get to see the intersection of Mickey Avenue and Dopey Drive with the uniquely styled street sign that has since been seen in many of the company’s promotional activities. While the sign remains a favorite photo location of employees and studio visitors, it is often forgotten that that the now landmark sign was created for The Reluctant Dragon.
