During WWII, Hollywood cartoonists went to war. Bugs Bunny, Popeye, and Donald Duck were among the cartoon characters to joined the war effort. These cartoons appeared before movies at the cinema and reached a large audience because Americans frequently went to the movies. The cartoons were meant to entertain, but they often had a heavy dose of propaganda. “Donald Duck Gets Drafted” was released on May 1, 1945. The short opens with the song “The Army’s Not the Army Anymore” as Donald views a series of recruiting posters. The posters depict the military as a great place to be. Some of the bait are “Healthful Exercise”, “Breakfast in Bed”, Everybody is Pals in the Army” (with a smiling general beckoning), “Pretty Hostesses” (in the Air Corps), and “Be Irresistible!” (to women). Donald is put through a humorous physical in which it is clear anyone would pass. He is then given a comically oversized uniform (which shrinks when water is thrown on it). Then it’s off to boot camp and an encounter with a mean drill sergeant (played by Pete).
The main writer was cartoon hall of famer Carl Banks. He did a lot in the Donal Duck cartoons. Banks was a pacifist who did not support involvement in WWII. This might explain the odd decision of having Donald be drafted which implies he was forced into the army. However, he is certainly enthusiastic on his way to induction. Banks meant for the cartoon to be anti-military, but his message was mainly lost on viewers who just considered it to be typical military humor. It is a bit strange that the movie does not encourage recruitment. It ends with Donald peeling potatoes. By the way, the cartoon informs the viewers that Donald’s middle name is Fauntleroy.
“Der Furher’s Face” would make an interesting one, as we watched that in school, as it is notable for portraying Donald Duck in a situation where he is working as a Nazi, albeit in a forceful situation.
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