If a cartoon character can have a birthday, today is it for Donald Duck, who made his debut on this date in 1934 in the Disney short film, “The Wise Little Hen”. Donald’s popularity led to the growth of the “Duck” family, from Daisy to Uncle Scrooge and nephews Huey, Dewey and Louey!
Perhaps more fascinating is the use of the lovable by cranky Donald to affect behavior during World War II. After grossing $8 million dollars with the release of their first feature length animated film, “Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs” in 1937 (quite an accomplishment during the Depression), Walt Disney devoted most of his company’s resources to the production of propaganda and training films during the war.
Donald was not spared in the effort. Below is an incredible Disney cartoon, called the “Spirit of ‘43” where Donald joins in the effort to convince Americans that taxation for the war effort is worth every penny.
It’s hard to conceive that cartoon characters of today would be employed in this manner. The image-conscious holders of trademarks for these cash cows would be hard pressed to make a cartoon that could endanger the carefully cultivated personalities or images of their creations.
But WWII occurred in an America that no longer exists. It is truly astounding to watch this short:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xphiYdfd-Tg
Imagine Scooby Doo or someone even remotely more contemporary going in THAT direction! Wow!
If you’d like my blog in your in-box daily, just let me know! Tim.moore@citcomm.com
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