The Spirit of '43

1943
5.3| 0h6m| NR| en| More Info
Released: 07 January 1943 Released
Producted By: Walt Disney Productions
Country: United States of America
Budget: 0
Revenue: 0
Official Website:
Synopsis

Donald Duck deals with income taxes and their benefit to the American war effort in this inspirational documentary short animated film.

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Walt Disney Productions

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Reviews

BootDigest Such a frustrating disappointment
FeistyUpper If you don't like this, we can't be friends.
LouHomey From my favorite movies..
Zlatica One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.
TheLittleSongbird My love for animation, Disney and Donald Duck were what drew me to seeing The Spirit of 43 in the first place. While it is a good and interesting short, I can definitely see why some people and children will dislike it today. Some of it, as it takes on difficult and important issues of the time- something that may come across as dated now-, does get a little too heavy-handed- though also well-intended- and the pace can feel dull due to the serious rather than entertaining nature(though considering the subject it in evaluation couldn't have been any other way). However, the animation is great with good detail and colour, and interestingly Donald's counterpoint looks like an early version of Scrooge McDuck. The war images are very well done and do make their point, if perhaps somewhat too obviously. The music is rousing and dynamic and the story is unique and of good historical interest. The two ducks(Donald and the thrifty) are very strongly characterised and interact very well.In conclusion, The Spirit of 43 is an interesting Disney short, and made well. But it is more for historical rather than entertainment value, and some- while acknowledging how it would have been received back in 1943 where it would have been more relevant- may find it dull, heavy-handed and dated today. 7/10 Bethany Cox
travisimo No wonder I didn't like this cartoon when I was a kid! It centers on Donald Duck trying to decide whether to spend his paycheck on a night out or by saving it up to pay taxes for the war effort. Same old cartoon story, isn't it?! But now as a grownup and as a Donald fan, I can appreciate The Spirit of ‘43's unique storyline and its historical implications. It's just so weird to see childhood characters delve into issues like war and taxes. I just can't see Spongebob Squarepants doing an episode on terrorism.After Donald's segment the cartoon takes an even more serious turn highlighting some of the warplanes and weaponry that would be used to destroy the `Axis,' as they put it. It's also kind of shocking to see animation of Nazi planes and weaponry. There are some serious issues discussed in this cartoon!Nevertheless, this is a very interesting cartoon. Donald's still a loveable character, just in a very grown-up and serious circumstance. Another stark image is that of the swastika to symbolize the evils of spending recklessly instead of supporting our troops. I also enjoyed hearing the narrator's take on the situation including this statement that I'll paraphrase, `Every American should, and look forward to, paying their taxes.' Let that be a lesson to you kids!My IMDb Rating: 8/10
rbverhoef In this Donald Duck short Donald Duck has a dilemma. Spend his money or save it to pay tax and help the American soldiers who are fighting in WW-II. It is an aggressive short and although the Americans were the good guys I don't like propaganda like this. A cartoon character must be used only to entertain and not for political statements. 5/10.
Coolguy-7 In this documentary short, Donald Duck has just been paid. We've got two sides of the average American: the thrifty (the side that urges you to save part of your money for important things such as your income tax) and the spender (who urges you to spend your money on anything you want). I have been a big fan of Disney for pretty much my whole life. It was not until the previous two years that I had learned of the wartime cartoons such as this one. I have wanted to see them so bad. Well, I finally got the chance after a collector sent me a video of rare Disney shorts at my request. This one encourages Americans to pay their income tax on time so that they can help win the war. It's either the taxes or the Axis. Every dollar you spend is just like supporting the Axis because it doesn't go to help the Allies. After some time making decisions, Donald decides to pay his income tax. No Disney fan should be without this short.