Details: https://www.disneyhistoryinstitute.com/2009/11/funniest-of-them-all-disneys-snow-white.html >PINOCCHIO AND THE ELEVEN DWARFS > Pinocchio premiered in New York City on February 7, 1940 at the Center Theatre. After Snow White the expectations were high, and RKO and Disney wanted a sensational reception and opening for the film (as had Snow White at the Carthay Circle). Perhaps inspired by the lovable seven dwarfs (that were not so lovable in their rather frightening costumes at the Carthay Circle premiere), the publicity department hired eleven midgets, clothed them in Pinocchio costumes, and placed them atop the theater marquee on opening day–there to cavort about and lend a bit of atmosphere in preparation for the experience awaiting the audience inside. > At lunchtime, food and a couple of quarts of spirituous liquid refreshment were hoisted up to the tiny troopers. Inspired by the brew, the diminutive denizens began to remove their garments. By three o’clock that afternoon, patrons were startled to see and hear eleven naked midgets loudly belching and busily engaged in a lively crap game atop the marquee. The au naturel legion of Pinocchios steadfastly refused the commands to cover up and climb down. Police were called in and they climbed ladders to reach the merry crew, restored their modesty by clothing them in pillow cases, and hauled them down to street level before a wondering crowd. > For many years, I looked for any piece of research that would help support this story. Just recently, I found it. I present, “the picture” (now, if I can just find this same shot, only three or four hours later in the day … then I’ll have something!).