James Algar

'James Algar' (qv) studied at Stanford where he developed his skills as a cartoonist by drawing for the university's satirical magazine, The Chaparral. He joined the Disney Organisation in 1934, initially as animator. He directed the classic "Sorcerer's Apprentice" segment of _Fantasia (1940)_ (qv), as well as several sequences of _Bambi (1942)_ (qv). Algar was one of several key personnel to whom 'Walt Disney' (qv) delegated higher executive functions. During the 1950's, he assumed the mantle of chief writer/director for Disney's True Life Adventure series, turning out such Oscar-winning documentaries as _The Living Desert (1953)_ (qv) and _The Vanishing Prairie (1954)_ (qv).Algar was named a Disney Legend in 1998 and has been recipient of the Look Magazine Movie Award for outstanding achievement in production.::I.S.Mowis