At a screening of the film in 1961 he met Mr. Merchant, and they agreed to work together.

Mr. Merchant said Disney would pay half the cost of developing each film.

Mr. Merchant has done much more than create a vibrant backdrop, though.

Mr. Merchant asked, straightening a box of frozen chocolate bars.

Yesterday Mr. Merchant said he had written the details on the wrong page in his calendar.

"But it would have cost $20 million more to do that," Mr. Merchant said.

Mr. Merchant said he preferred producing but liked to direct when the story was close to the heart.

In any case, the gregarious Mr. Merchant will give another party tomorrow or the next night.

Mr. Merchant expects the company to net $2.5 million from its library during the 1990's.

Mr. Merchant was charged with two counts of second-degree sexual abuse.