This film is part of Free

Liner 'The Normandie' arrives at Plymouth, 12 June 1935

The 'Normandie' brings Disney to Plymouth

Non-Fiction 1935 3 mins Silent

From the collection of:

Logo for South West Film and Television Archive

Overview

The ocean liner SS 'Normandie' owned by Compagnie Generale Transatlantique arrives in Plymouth on 12 June 1935 carrying Disney founder and creator, Walt Disney and actor Richard Dix. The maiden voyage on 29 May from Le Havre in France to New York takes four days and the return journey to Plymouth, nine days, under the command of Master Captain Rene Pugnet. Designed by Vladimir Yourkevitch, the Normandie is the world's largest and fastest passenger liner of its day.

In January 1942 the US War department requisition the Normandie ocean-going liner. Whilst loading with supplies a welder’s mistake set off a fire which spread throughout the ship leading to it turning on its side and sink. Too costly to repair or convert into an aircraft carrier the Normandie was scrapped in 1946-47.