Tag Archives: World War II

May 1, 1942 – The Donald Duck Wartime Short Film Donald Gets Drafted is Released to Theaters

“Hi General, I wanna be a flier!”

On May 1, 1942, the Donald Duck wartime short film Donald Gets Drafted premiered in theaters. It was the first of the series of wartime propaganda shorts that sought to use the Disney stars to tell a relatable story about how wartime was affecting citizens, adding levity to a very tense situation. The short provides several gags in the draft selection process, with a slight nod to the sarcasm of the Depression-weary public. The short was directed by Jack King.

The short begins with a rendition of the song “The Army’s Not the Army Anymore” while showing Donald’s orders to report for induction (also revealing that Donald’s middle name is “Fauntleroy”). Donald reports with gusto, admiring the posters in front of the recruiting station. After seeing a poster with a woman on it, Donald is determined to become a pilot. After Donald signs a paper, he is sent to a physical exam of a more humorous nature than anything else. He is then fitted for his uniform, which they shrink to his size. Soon after, Donald is sent to his base, but he is frustrated that he only marches, as he still wants to fly. He manages to anger his drill sergeant, who is none other than Pete. Pete gives Donald “special training,” which he manages to fail over and over again. When Donald threatens to quit, Pete responds that Donald must learn discipline. While Donald is ordered to stand still, a group of ants starts crawling out of their hole and up Donald’s legs, making standing still quite a challenge for the duck. Unable to take it anymore, Donald goes crazy, and his gun goes off, shooting at every angle. Finally, Donald is placed on kitchen duty, peeling spuds, and peels off the word “phooey” in response to the opening song.

November 6, 1942 – The Donald Duck Short Film Sky Trooper is Released to Theaters

“Oh, I wanna fly! I wanna fly!”

On November 6, 1942, the Donald Duck short film Sky Trooper was released to theaters. This is the third of seven short films where Donald has been drafted into the Army during World War II. This short also co-stars Pete as a flight sergeant, and Donald’s nemesis. It was directed by Jack King.

Donald is stationed at Mallard Field, though he is relegated to kitchen patrol (KP) duty peeling potatoes. He cries as he peels, as his dream is to fly. Pete notices Donald’s melancholic longing, but only has him peel more potatoes. He promises that he can fly after he peels the tidal wave of potatoes, which Donald completes with enthusiasm. Pete then tests Donald’s eligibility with some simple silly tests, though Donald is unable to pass. Pete torments Donald further by tricking him into going up with the paratroopers. Donald watches all the men stand in line and, thinking they’ve landed, follows suit, only to leap back into the plane once he sees the plane still in the air. Pete tries to throw Donald out, but he refuses to go. As they struggle, they accidentally knock a bomb off the plane, and the two play hot potato with it on the way down. The bomb explodes in the general’s headquarters, and the two are relegated to KP duty.