The Three Caballeros

Three caballeros poster

1944 American animated musical film produced by Walt Disney

The Three Caballeros is a 1944 American animated musical film produced by Walt Disney Productions. The film premiered in Mexico City on December 21, 1944, and was released in the United States on February 3, 1945. It is the seventh animated feature in the Disney animated features canon.

Plot

The film is a series of self-contained segments, strung together by the common theme of Donald Duck opening birthday presents from his Latin American friends. The film consists of seven segments:

• The Cold-Blooded Penguin - The story of a penguin named Pablo who is tired of the cold and decides to move to a warmer climate.
• The Flying Gauchito - The story of a young boy from Uruguay and his winged donkey, Burrito.
• Baía - Donald Duck meets José Carioca, a Brazilian parrot, who introduces him to the sights and sounds of Baía (now known as Bahia).
• Las Posadas - A Mexican tradition reenacted by a group of children.
• Mexico: Pátzcuaro, Veracruz and Acapulco - Donald Duck and José Carioca meet Panchito Pistoles, a Mexican rooster, who shows them around Mexico.
• You Belong to My Heart - Donald falls in love with a singing woman.
• Donald's Surreal Reverie - A surrealistic journey through Donald's imagination.

Characters

• Donald Duck - The main character who receives birthday presents from his Latin American friends.
• José Carioca - A Brazilian parrot who introduces Donald to the culture of Brazil.
• Panchito Pistoles - A Mexican rooster who shows Donald and José around Mexico.

Production

The film was produced as part of the Good Neighbor policy, an effort by the United States government to improve relations with Latin American countries during World War II. The film features a combination of live-action and animation, a technique that was innovative at the time.

Music

The music for the film was composed by Edward H. Plumb, Paul J. Smith, and Charles Wolcott. The film features several songs that have become classics, including "Baía" and "You Belong to My Heart."

Reception

Upon its release, The Three Caballeros received mixed reviews from critics but was praised for its innovative use of live-action and animation. The film was a box office success, grossing $3.355 million.

Legacy

The Three Caballeros has since become a beloved classic and has influenced various aspects of popular culture. The characters of Donald Duck, José Carioca, and Panchito Pistoles have appeared in various other Disney media, including television shows and theme park attractions.

See also

• List of Walt Disney Pictures films
• Disney animated features canon
• Good Neighbor policy