Because this era was the result of WWII, a largely uncontrollable event, most critics don’t seem to hold it against Disney. This ‘sub-era’ is marked by a halt in the production of animated features as the studio was literally taken-over by the U.S. Government and co-opted into creating propaganda for America…for very little compensation. During this time, Disney had to rely on ‘package films’ to pay the rent and had almost no time to explore more creative avenues. These package films were often compilations of several short films edited together with new inserts to fill out a feature film run-time. Although many of these films are beloved today by Disney fans, they are generally considered of far less quality than the rest of the Golden Age.
A colourful kaleidoscope of art, adventure and music set to a toe-tapping samba beat. Your international traveling companions are none other than famous funny friends, Donald Duck and Goofy. They keep things lively as Donald encounters a stubborn llama and "El Gaucho" Goofy tries on the cowboy way of life...South American-style. From high Andes peaks to Argentina's pampas to the sights and sounds of Rio de Janeiro.
When Donald receives a magical collection of gifts from his friends, they become his passport to a fantastic musical journey with José Carioca and Panchito. With these experts to guide him, Donald hops, skips and jumps his way through an adventure, with each stop full of surprises and sensational songs.
Melody Time features seven timeless stories, each enhanced with high-spirited music and unforgettable characters. Donald Duck puts on a display of jazzy antics as the star of "Blame It On The Samba." Music becomes a real adventure for a busy bumble bee in "Bumble Boogie." Cheer on the mischievous young tugboat in "Little Toot" and root for the heroes of legend and myth in "Johnny Appleseed" and "Pecos Bill."
Jiminy Cricket hosts two lively tales: Bongo, the whimsical story of a little circus bear who proves that the size of his heart and brain is bigger than the most bearish bully; and Micky and the Beanstalk, where Mickey, Donald and Goofy confront Willie the Giant.
"The Wind In The Willows" and "The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow" come together in one fabulous adventure. First, hang on for a wild motorcar ride with J. Thaddeus Toad as he drives his friends Mole, Rat and Angus MacBadger into a worried frenzy. Then meet the spindly Ichabod Crane, who dreams of sweeping beautiful Katrina Van Tassel off her feet despite opposition from town bully Brom Bones, who also has his eye on Katrina.