Uploaded January 2017 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
Throughout the years of the United States’ involvement in World War II the entire country was involved in helping out with the war effort. Walt Disney and his company was no exception. During the years of the war, Walt Disney Productions released a number of films and short cartoons that were meant to encourage citizens to buy war bonds to help out the Allied cause in the war. These films varied in topic from attempts to sell theories on how long range strategic bombing could help win the war to more whimsical cartoon exaggerations meant to serve as propaganda. No other character short film released by Disney during the time of the war has had as lasting of an impact as this one starring Donald Duck appropriately titled, “Der Fuehrer’s Face”.
All in all, the cartoon was very successful in accomplishing its intended purpose. It does an excellent job of portraying the enemy (Axis Powers) in a ridiculous manner while also emphasizing the freedoms that are enjoyed by American citizens. “Der Fuehrer’s Face” went on to win an Academy Award for best animated short film at the 15th Academy Awards. It has also been placed on several lists as one of the greatest animated cartoons of all time as voted on by members of the animation field. Because of the cartoons controversial nature of depicting Donald Duck as a Nazi, it was not included in general circulation after the original release. However, it has since been included for home viewing on “The Chronological Donald Vol. 2” version of the Walt Disney Treasures collection with a special introduction by Disney film historian and author Leonard Maltin which has been included in this video.
For more Disney history, be sure to visit www.disneyavenue.com.
Throughout the years of the United States’ involvement in World War II the entire country was involved in helping out with the war effort. Walt Disney and his company was no exception. During the years of the war, Walt Disney Productions released a number of films and short cartoons that were meant to encourage citizens to buy war bonds to help out the Allied cause in the war. These films varied in topic from attempts to sell theories on how long range strategic bombing could help win the war to more whimsical cartoon exaggerations meant to serve as propaganda. No other character short film released by Disney during the time of the war has had as lasting of an impact as this one starring Donald Duck appropriately titled, “Der Fuehrer’s Face”.
All in all, the cartoon was very successful in accomplishing its intended purpose. It does an excellent job of portraying the enemy (Axis Powers) in a ridiculous manner while also emphasizing the freedoms that are enjoyed by American citizens. “Der Fuehrer’s Face” went on to win an Academy Award for best animated short film at the 15th Academy Awards. It has also been placed on several lists as one of the greatest animated cartoons of all time as voted on by members of the animation field. Because of the cartoons controversial nature of depicting Donald Duck as a Nazi, it was not included in general circulation after the original release. However, it has since been included for home viewing on “The Chronological Donald Vol. 2” version of the Walt Disney Treasures collection with a special introduction by Disney film historian and author Leonard Maltin which has been included in this video.
For more Disney history, be sure to visit www.disneyavenue.com.
