Prince of the Magic Kingdom: Michael Eisner and the Re-Making of Disney - Softcover

Flower, Joe

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0471580651 ISBN 13: 9780471580652

Publisher: Wiley, 1993

Synopsis

Tells the story of how CEO Michael Eisner took over the ailing Disney Company and turned it into one of the most profitable corporations in the country. From the drama of Wall Street to the glamour of Hollywood, the author provides an absorbing account of Eisner's wheelings and dealings--including the signing of such major stars as Michael Jackson and Bette Midler--making Disney the number one movie studio in Hollywood.

About this title

From Kirkus Reviews:

Valiant Michael Eisner fights the mighty dragons of corporate takeovers, union demands, and executive complacency in this re- creation of the Disney rags-to-riches myth by a free-lance business journalist (Esquire, GQ, etc.)--this version livelier and more thoroughly researched than Ron Grover's The Disney Touch (p. 376). ``I like Michael Eisner,'' Flower admits in his introduction- -and this statement, in the face of Eisner's refusal to be interviewed (a refusal that many of his subordinates at Disney instantly echoed), offers a clue to the contradiction, which Flower finds fascinating, between personal charm and corporate ruthlessness in both the Disney Company and in Eisner himself. How can a business executive be charming, boyish, creative, and aggressive enough to spread the Disney presence around the globe (and up the prices of everything from its theme-park tickets to its stuffed Mickey Mouse dolls), yet manage to maintain Disney as one of the most popular and respected brand names on earth? Along his way of tracing Eisner's career from an assistant at ABC-TV to the rank of CEO at a desperately struggling Disney, Flower analyzes just what it is about the Disney perspective that makes its presence such a treasured part of American culture. He finds that luck has played a role in the nearly perfect match-up between a company identified with childlike optimism and the family-oriented, puppylike, yet ruthlessly ambitious Eisner. But will Disney weather the recession successfully? Certainly, says Flower, at least in the well-trodden areas of theme parks, films, and video--not necessarily, though, in the untried arenas of mainstream book publishing, restaurants, and retail merchandising. Would Disney do as well without Eisner at the helm? A tougher question to answer, Flower finds, given the vital nature of the Disney mythos and its brilliant expression in the person of its cheerful and determined CEO. A captivating tale with intimations--in this rendition--of a happy ending. (Fifteen photographs--not seen.) -- Copyright ©1991, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

From Library Journal:

In this year's second book on the Disney Company's turnaround (following Ron Grover's The Disney Touch , LJ 4/1/91), Flower focuses on CEO Michael Eisner's command over Disney's resurgence. He sketches Eisner's formative years at ABC-TV and his wonder-working at Paramount Studios prior to his taking the helm of a demoralized Disney after a brutal takeover attempt. Flower also shows how Eisner revitalized the company's creative departments and retooled a somnolent movie mill into more of a "repertory company." At the same time, Eisner drew on the management principles of Scrooge McDuck in controlling costs, leading to some unhappy relations with Disney's unions. This version of the Disney tale is well worth acquiring on its own or to complement Grover for a complete picture of the rejuvenation of a company with a special place in the hearts of several generations. Recommended for all business collections.
- Michael Stevenson, Har vard Business Sch. Lib.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Wiley
• Publication date: 1993
• ISBN 10: 0471580651
• ISBN 13: 9780471580652
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 320