If you are looking for this short, try the "Disney Timeless Treasures: Volume 3". It's there along with several other seldom-seen cartoon shorts.
This Silly Symphony cartoon is, like the rest of the series, wonderfully animated--as Disney was the producer of the best looking cartoons of the 1930s...period. However, like many of the films in the series, the story itself wasn't always so hot. Because of that, I can't recommend it to the casual viewer. HOWEVER, to the cinemaniac or Disney-phile it is STILL a must-see for two reasons. The first is that the animation is terrific--just like all the Disney shorts of the 1930s. But a much more important reason is that this film marks the first appearance by Donald Duck--and that is something to celebrate. To those unaware of his evolution, he does look quite different--as he did until the very late 30s.
As far as the story goes, it's the familiar tale of the Little Red Hen--and the lazy farm animals who refuse to help her plant and then harvest her grain. No major surprises here--just some nice animation and Donald.
The Wise Little Hen
1934
Action / Animation / Comedy / Family / Musical
The Wise Little Hen
1934
Action / Animation / Comedy / Family / Musical
Plot summary
The hen is looking for someone to help her plant her corn. Peter Pig and Donald Duck both feign belly aches to get out of the chore. So, with help from her chicks, she plants it herself. Harvest time comes; again, Peter and Donald claim belly aches. She cooks up a variety of corn dishes, and heads over to Peter and Donald, but before she can open her mouth, they already have their belly aches. Once she asks, they are miraculously "cured" but all she gives them is castor oil, for their belly aches.
Uploaded by: FREEMAN
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Not a great cartoon, but in many ways still a must-see.
You know after this gem, you gotta love Donald Duck!
This is a gem. The animation is beautiful, with lovely colourful backgrounds and the character animation is very good. The music was brilliant, very playful and jolly, and the theme tune somewhat reminds me of that for Peculiar Penguins. The characters are engaging, with the exception of Peter Pig, whose presence seemed unnecessary at times. The hen of the title is fun, the chicks are ADORABLE(I know I keep using this word, but most of the silly symphonies are),but what makes this short for me is the presence of Donald Duck, voiced by the one and only Ducky Nash. Everything else was fine, but my favourite duck's presence elevates this gem to a greater level.
Two words for this- wonderful gem! 9.5/10 Bethany Cox
There's a Lesson to Be Learned
Donald Duck and Peter Pig are a couple of lazy guys who just want to sing and dance, but do nothing productive. When the Little Hen needs someone to help her plant corn, they make excuses, claiming to have tummy aches. During harvest time, they don't help. But when it comes time to eat the corn, they drool and accept. But they are in for a surprise. There is a little bit of grasshopper/ant in this one. Some of the were quite moralistic. This is really early Donald.