On April 27, 1940, the animated film "Pinocchio" was released by Walt Disney Productions. This classic film, based on the Italian novel "The Adventures of Pinocchio" by Carlo Collodi, tells the story of a wooden puppet who dreams of becoming a real boy. The film was a groundbreaking achievement in animation, featuring stunning visuals, memorable characters, and a timeless moral message.

Directed by Ben Sharpsteen and Hamilton Luske, "Pinocchio" was the second animated feature film produced by Disney, following the success of "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" in 1937. The film's production was a massive undertaking, involving over 750 artists and technicians, and it took over two years to complete.

The film introduced audiences to beloved characters such as Jiminy Cricket, who serves as Pinocchio's conscience and sings the iconic song "When You Wish Upon a Star," which has since become the anthem of The Walt Disney Company. Other memorable characters include the kind woodcarver Geppetto, the evil puppeteer Stromboli, and the terrifying whale Monstro.

"Pinocchio" was a critical and commercial success upon its release, praised for its technical achievements, storytelling, and music. The film won two Academy Awards, for Best Original Score and Best Original Song ("When You Wish Upon a Star"). Its impact on the animation industry and popular culture has been long-lasting, with the film being selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress in 1994, recognizing it as "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant."

Today, "Pinocchio" remains a beloved classic, enjoyed by generations of viewers and inspiring countless adaptations and retellings in various media.