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That's what a little boy assures a ruthless auctioneer that's trying to humiliate his old donkey, called "Small One". Now, the donkey *is* scrawny and old, but the that doesn't make the boy's assurances any less. That's part of what we will find out in this 1978 Disney short film, from Don Bluth.
Set near ancient Nazareth, The Small One starts with the young boy (Sean Marshall) being ordered by his father to sell the titular donkey, after he's been found to be a liability. Although the boy is reluctant, he agrees on the condition that he be the one to take him to town and sell him. Unfortunately, the boy can't seem to find a good buyer.
I put this short this morning to the kids. However, I wasn't really paying attention, but they seemed to enjoy it. I got curious so I decided to check it out by myself later. The Small One is indeed a charming and enjoyable short film that's beautifully animated..In addition, the music and songs are touching and memorable, especially the title track.
Overall, The Small One succeeds in all the above, but also in offering a different perspective to a familiar story. Released in 1978, at a time when Disney was going through a bit of a rough patch, Don Bluth brings something that's not only gentle and kind, but good enough to be in a king's stable.
Grade:
THE SMALL ONE
(1978, Bluth)
(1978, Bluth)
"He's a strong donkey. He's gentle and kind. And good enough to be in a king's stable!"
That's what a little boy assures a ruthless auctioneer that's trying to humiliate his old donkey, called "Small One". Now, the donkey *is* scrawny and old, but the that doesn't make the boy's assurances any less. That's part of what we will find out in this 1978 Disney short film, from Don Bluth.
Set near ancient Nazareth, The Small One starts with the young boy (Sean Marshall) being ordered by his father to sell the titular donkey, after he's been found to be a liability. Although the boy is reluctant, he agrees on the condition that he be the one to take him to town and sell him. Unfortunately, the boy can't seem to find a good buyer.
I put this short this morning to the kids. However, I wasn't really paying attention, but they seemed to enjoy it. I got curious so I decided to check it out by myself later. The Small One is indeed a charming and enjoyable short film that's beautifully animated..In addition, the music and songs are touching and memorable, especially the title track.
Overall, The Small One succeeds in all the above, but also in offering a different perspective to a familiar story. Released in 1978, at a time when Disney was going through a bit of a rough patch, Don Bluth brings something that's not only gentle and kind, but good enough to be in a king's stable.
Grade: