University of North Carolina professor Adam Goldstein viewed 50 films from 1937-1997 and found that heroes smoked and drank just as much as villains did and there were no anti-smoking or anti-drinking verbal messages.

"There was not a change over time, and substance use continued at this high rate even though concern about tobacco use is at a feverish pace," Goldstein said.

Disney spokesperson Claudia Peters responded, "The suggestion that we support alcohol and tobacco use is absurd." She added that substance use is discouraged by Disney, "with a rare exception where it is relevant to the character or plot point."

Source:

USA TODAY, (3/19/99) "Cartoons Haven't Kicked Bad Habits", Karen Thomas, p. E2