Home Defense (1943)

Home Defense Review

Home Defense is a 1943 animated short film from the Donald Duck series. It is a weaker cartoon.

During World War II, Donald is in charge of a listening post. When he mistakes a bee for an enemy plane, he calls on his nephews to fight this threat. What I really liked in this short is the relationship between Donald and his nephews. He is more assertive this time and it made for a fun dynamic between them. The animation is stellar and the dialogue can be quite fun.

But the overall story is slim, even for WWII-themes cartoons. The eventual bee inclusion did not work and it made the movie feel silly and as if it never had any really stakes. The nephews weren’t all that memorable too. It needed a stronger story and better pacing to accompany Donald’s temper.

Home Defense has a very memorable Donald, but a weak plot and a mediocre ending.

My Rating – 3.4