10 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Dumbo (1941)
6. It Referenced Many Real Life People And Events
There are a couple of subtle pop culture references scattered throughout Dumbo, as well as a "art imitating life" moment.
During production, the infamous animators' strike occurred, in which several workers were unsatisfied with their pay and privileges. A disgruntled Walt Disney had this event parodied within the story as angry clowns go and "ask the big boss for a raise".
When trying to comfort Dumbo, Timothy says, "Lots of people with big ears are famous!" - according to animation historian John Canemaker, this line was interpreted by audiences of 1941 as a reference to Clark Gable.
Casey Junior, the anthropomorphic train, is a reference to Casey Jones - a famous railroad engineer who was killed in a train collision.
And Dumbo even makes reference to the Disney franchise itself as the WDP circus shares its initials with Walt Disney Productions.