"Bambi" released 1942

Everyone's favorite young-deer-growing-up movie, Bambi, debuted in movie theaters August 21, 1942.  At the time, it wasn't a money-maker but subsequent releases have boosted it to blockbuster status and made it one of the most beloved Disney movies ever.

Reading the trivia notes on imdb.com, it appears that the novel from which the movie is based, is totally NOT a children's book.  It is much darker with more deaths and gore.  Fortunately, Disney did not include such aspects and the result is a very G-rated film for all ages.

It was nominated for three Academy Awards: Best Sound, Recording; Best Music, Original Song (for Love is a Song); and Best Music, Scoring of a Dramatic or Comedic Picture.