Pirates, Pixie Dust and Poignancy

The film may hold up with the help of its strong storytelling and animation, but actor Hans Conried still steals the show as Captain Hook. “At that time we all did the recording together,” says Beaumont, “so it was a nice feel, because you could play with the other actors and it was more natural. And working with Hans Conried was such a treat, because I was a huge fan and recognized his voice so well. He was such a nice person to work with and he was very helpful with me.”

Being the animators’ model for Wendy was also an experience that has stayed with Beaumont. “You see a particular sight or piece of action in the film, and it right away brings back the memory of what you did and what happened on the live action stage,” she says. “The time when Wendy was in the bedroom during the business with the shadow – I can remember going through those motions without hardly any set. The only thing that might be there would be boxes or stepping stairs. You just get these mental images when you actually see something happening in the film.”

Today, Kathryn Beaumont is a retired elementary school teacher living in southern California, although in recent years she has revived her vocal roles for the rides and parades at the theme parks. In 1998 she received a Disney Legend award for her work, though perhaps a statuette cannot hold a candle to the experience of working with Walt himself. “I feel so blessed that I have the opportunity to say that I knew him,” she admits. “Not everybody can say that.”