Story: A mother hen has to look after all of her little chicks, but she also needs to get started on the planting season if she wants her corn to come in. She tries to elicit some help from her neighbors Peter Pig and Donald Duck, but they have excuses and skate out of lending a hand. The crops are still planted however, so she needs the help once again when the harvest time comes, only to find more excuses from her neighbors. Will she ever find a task these two are willing to help out with?

Entertainment Value: This eight minute animated short from Disney is a fun watch, but it also has immense historical value. That’s because The Wise Little Hen features the first ever appearance of Donald Duck, the short tempered cartoon icon. He isn’t the focus, but he is prominent and central to the narrative, while also giving us some laughs as well, of course. This Donald hasn’t showed his angry side however, instead he seems rather laid back and chill. The animation here is wonderful and warm, capturing a visual texture that is simply beautiful and while Donald has evolved his look over time, this original design isn’t worlds removed from his more modern visual aesthetics. I think The Wise Little Hen is a great animated short, but the debut of Donald Duck ensures this one will never fade into obscurity.

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