The Ducktators (1942)

I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

It's funny, it's tense, it features two great performances from two actors and the director expertly creates a web of odd tension where you actually don't know what is happening for the majority of the run time.

It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties. It's a feast for the eyes. But what really makes this dramedy work is the acting.

Love animation, it was a big part of my life as a child, particularly Disney, Looney Tunes and Tom and Jerry, and still love it whether it's film, television or cartoons. Actually appreciate t even more through adult eyes, thanks to having a broader knowledge of all the difficult animation styles and individual studios and directors.Norm McCabe was overshadowed by very stiff competition when he was active, ones with more distinctive and imaginative styles, but he was a very capable director who never made it bigger (some of his work even relatively obscure), due to mainly never making colour cartoons and being responsible for some with racial stereotyping. While they weren't classics, some of his cartoons were actually pretty decent and more, they are a long way from terrible or must misses.'The Ducktators' is one of his best cartoons to me and is much more accessible than one would think reading or knowing of the premise. When it comes to the animation, 'The Ducktators' is very good. Much of it is fluid in movement, crisp in shading and very meticulous in detail. Ever the master, Carl Stalling's music is typically superb. It is as always lushly orchestrated, full of lively energy and characterful in rhythm, not only adding to the action but also enhancing it.Mel Blanc as always provides terrific voice acting in multiple roles. Blanc shows an unequalled versatility and ability to bring an individual personality to every one of his multiple characters in a vast majority of his work, there is no wonder why he was in such high demand as a voice actor.When it comes to the humour, 'The Ducktators' is very funny and even a lot of the time hilarious. There is a lot of content and it most of the time is sharp, witty and clever, also pretty ballsy to have daring portrayals during such a reign of terror nearly hitting its peak. Subtle it definitely isn't (something that is even acknowledged in the cartoon), the "propaganda" elements close to heavy handed, but it is underneath the laughs and the poking fun reflective of how many felt about the dictators at the time. The caricatures are great fun and are easily recognisable, unfamiliarity is not an issue here and the pace is lively with few lulls.It's not just a funny cartoon. It is also very educational and will very likely make younger viewers want to learn more about the period and the dictators, it is a great historical piece on that front and serves greatly as a product of its time. Not without issues. The ending is abrupt and rushed and a few parts dialogue-wise fall flat due to being so corny, such as the audience apology.As said, the Black Southern ducks joke is not for the easily offended, found it out of place and not very funny myself and found it questionable if not offensive. Overall, a huge amount to enjoy here. 8/10 Bethany Cox

This cartoon from 1942 is a cute way to discuss the evil menace of the Axis Powers. Hitler, Mussolini and a Japanese duck run amok in the farm yard spreading lies and bullying the other animals. Finally, the others who only wanted peace have had enough and proceed to whip the annoying three. This is a wonderful positive propaganda piece that was designed to solidify everyone behind the war effort and poke fun at the Fascists. While occasionally the cartoon lags and there is a joke about Black Southern ducks that might offend some, the cartoon is overall very well made and effective--possessing the usual high production values in Looney Toons cartoons.FYI--Although the Hitler duck was said to have been a "paper hanger", this is a common mistaken belief about Hitler. There is no evidence that he ever made a living wallpapering.

This is a propaganda cartoon made during World War II. The black and white Looney Tunes cartoon tells the story of Hitler, Mussolini and Hirohito only they are portrayed as ducks. The barnyard they are on must present the world. We see how the three take over that barnyard but how one duck ends that. That duck, I guess, must be the United States of America.The short is nice propaganda and especially the first minute where the Hitler-duck is born is great. After this it is entertaining but to be honest not that great. When the Japanese duck is introduced it gets a little better. Overall it is a nice cartoon and a perfect example of propaganda with this medium.

I am a high school history teacher and have used this cartoon in my classes for years. I find that it gives my students a real feel for the home front as well examples of symbolism. I especially like to see their take on the Dove of Peace-does it stand for the U.S. or England or the allies in general? It is a great discussion starter.