National Donald Duck Day — Donald's Greatest Short Films
Donald Duck's first screen appearance came in the Silly Symphony musical theatrical cartoon, The Wise Little Hen (1934). It was released nationwide in the United States on June 9, 1934. The short was actually first shown a month earlier, on May 3, 1934, at the Carthay Circle Theatre in Los Angeles for a charity benefit. Prior to its wide release, the short had its worldwide premiere, two days earlier, on June 7th, at the Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Despite these earlier showings, the film's distributor, United Artist, cites the short's release date as June 9th. The short film's date of first release has significance, since it would be considered as the birthdate of the character, Donald Duck.
Even Donald himself adds confusion about the date his own birthday falls on. The Three Caballeros (1944) celebrates Donald Duck's 10th anniversary with the film's segments connected together by Donald's birthday. In the film, Donald Duck's birthday (Friday the 13th) is celebrated, and he receives three presents from his friends in Latin America. Five years later, in advance of Donald Duck's 15th anniversary, Donald's birthday is specified as March 13th and celebrated in the short film, Donald's Happy Birthday (1949). Disney during the late 1940s and into the 1950s would celebrate Donald’s “birthday” with special screenings and promotions every time a Friday the 13th came along, no matter what time of year it was, adding even more confusion, as to when Donald's birthday actually was. Finally, Disney settled the matter by designating June 9th as the "official" birthday for the character. In celebration of his 90th birthday on 09 June 2024, a poll featuring Donald's greatest theatrical short films.
Which of these selected Donald Duck theatrical short films is the greatest one of all time?
Discuss the topic here. #DonaldDuckDay
Even Donald himself adds confusion about the date his own birthday falls on. The Three Caballeros (1944) celebrates Donald Duck's 10th anniversary with the film's segments connected together by Donald's birthday. In the film, Donald Duck's birthday (Friday the 13th) is celebrated, and he receives three presents from his friends in Latin America. Five years later, in advance of Donald Duck's 15th anniversary, Donald's birthday is specified as March 13th and celebrated in the short film, Donald's Happy Birthday (1949). Disney during the late 1940s and into the 1950s would celebrate Donald’s “birthday” with special screenings and promotions every time a Friday the 13th came along, no matter what time of year it was, adding even more confusion, as to when Donald's birthday actually was. Finally, Disney settled the matter by designating June 9th as the "official" birthday for the character. In celebration of his 90th birthday on 09 June 2024, a poll featuring Donald's greatest theatrical short films.
Which of these selected Donald Duck theatrical short films is the greatest one of all time?
Discuss the topic here. #DonaldDuckDay
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