Donald’s Dilemma (1947)

Donald’s Dilemma Review

Donald’s Dilemma is a 1947 animated short film produced by Disney. It is a very interesting, experimental short that worked.

After being hit by a flower pot, Donald is convinced that he is a great singer and sings beautifully, which leads to fame, but he doesn’t recognize Daisy. Daisy asks for help from a psychiatrist to try to bring his personality back. This movie was pretty much a parody of those numerous psychological dramas/thrillers released during the 1940s (Hitchcock’s ‘Spellbound’ immediately springs to mind). And it’s a very successful parody that pokes fun at that type of film while being funny and atmospheric on its own right.

Donald’s Dilemma should have been called Daisy’s Dilemma as this is a rare Donald Duck film that is centered on his girlfriend in its entirety, which made it refreshing and unique. Daisy is a lovely protagonist and a complex one – she is narcissistic and selfish, but also undeniably endearing in her quest to claim Donald just for herself. The movie is quite funny at times and the ending is hilariously cartoony, but the rest of the movie is more serious than funny for better and for worse. The score and cinematography are pleasantly noirish while the usage of the song When You Wish Upon a Star was a wonderful reference.

Donald’s Dilemma is one of the better Donald Duck shorts thanks to a superb atmosphere, fantastic animation and a great concept beautifully executed. Daisy Duck was the star here and she was just lovely.

My Rating – 4.3