The Wise Little Hen (1934)

Must See Movie...

Entertaining from beginning to end, it maintains the spirit of the franchise while establishing it's own seal with a fun cast

It is not deep, but it is fun to watch. It does have a bit more of an edge to it than other similar films.

An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.

This is Donald Duck's first cartoon, where he plays a supporting character, along with Peter Pig, opposite the Hen. She wants them to help her plant corn, but Donald and Peter fake a belly ache. When she asks them to help her eat the corn, they gladly accept but instead get more than they were bargained for.It's a colorfully animated cartoon short with innocent-sounding music and lovable characters that kids would enjoy. Even though Donald plays a secondary character, his classic voice (by Clarence Nash) and sailor outfit are seen and heard here and will preclude his iconic character in many cartoons to come.It's not a terribly funny cartoon, as Donald's trademark slapstick misadventures and comedy are missing (since this is considered a "Silly Symphony" cartoon), but nonetheless, it's a fine one to introduce Donald Duck.Grade B

If you are looking for this short, try the "Disney Timeless Treasures: Volume 3". It's there along with several other seldom-seen cartoon shorts.This Silly Symphony cartoon is, like the rest of the series, wonderfully animated--as Disney was the producer of the best looking cartoons of the 1930s...period. However, like many of the films in the series, the story itself wasn't always so hot. Because of that, I can't recommend it to the casual viewer. HOWEVER, to the cinemaniac or Disney-phile it is STILL a must-see for two reasons. The first is that the animation is terrific--just like all the Disney shorts of the 1930s. But a much more important reason is that this film marks the first appearance by Donald Duck--and that is something to celebrate. To those unaware of his evolution, he does look quite different--as he did until the very late 30s.As far as the story goes, it's the familiar tale of the Little Red Hen--and the lazy farm animals who refuse to help her plant and then harvest her grain. No major surprises here--just some nice animation and Donald.

I had never knew that this Silly Symphony was Donald Duck's first theatrical appearance as well as for his voice-artist Clarence "Ducky" Nash too. And besides I love Donald Duck, along with Mickey Mouse, his canine pal Pluto, which is unusual to me because I am a cat-lover and Chip n' Dale. This Silly Symphony is adapted from "The Little Red Hen" fable, and I know that story well. I love it whenever the Wise Little Hen says: "Will you help me plant my corn? Will you help me plant my corn?" Donald and Peter Pig would say in this cartoon: "Who? me?! Oh no! I've got a belly ache!" I thought that was great rhythmic timing. So anyway, it's a great cartoon.

The last three days I've probably watched this thing 13 times. Not because I liked it, but because its highly addictive. Its one of those things that is so stupid, but at the same time so catchy you just can't not stop playing it. What I kind of like about it is how every sound and every movement in this Disney short seems to be going alone in a tune, with verses and all. And the singing along with it... Argh. Its annoying, but its, well, catchy. Everything. Especially the little hen. God, its like a caressing nightmare. This is Donalds first appearance ever yeah. He's basically a little tw*t, but yeah, compared to Peter Pig he's a bit funny.. and you can probably see why he got a second chance, and finally grew to be one of Disney's biggest characters. What is a bit interesting though is that he lives on a boat, so his costume for once makes a bit sense. The little hen and her little slave chickens steals the show though. God I hope she never turns up ever again! Her presence in this 8 minute short is more than enough for a whole eternity. The horror!