JohnHowardReid
Characters: Hitler Duck, Mussolini Goose, Dove of Peace, Japanese Sapman, Colonna Rabbit. Director: NORMAN McCABE. Story: Melvin Millar. Animator: John Carey. Music director: Carl W. Stalling. Producer: Leon Schlesinger. Not copyrighted. A Warner Bros Looney Tunes cartoon. U.S. release: 1 August 1942. 1 reel. Available on an excellent Warner DVD. COMMENT: This blatant 1942 propaganda piece is still very funny but even more interesting and entertaining today. It shines as an excellent example of Hollywood's quick response to a world at war. The delicious off-camera narration is a real hoot.
theowinthrop
An occasionally amusing World War II Warner's propaganda cartoon, THE DUCKTATORS tried to explain how a farm is taken over by Hitler, Mussolini, and a Japanese caricatured duck (Hirohito or Yamamoto or Tojo) and turned into an Axis haven (complete with storm troopers - who only march in stormy weather, according to the cartoon, and a secret police called "the Gestinko"). The Hitler duck signs a peace treaty (similar to Munich) which he puts into a shredder as soon as it is signed). The troublemakers are finally overthrown when the dove of peace gets fed up (when the Axis leaders march over him on a road) and beats the hell out of them. The cartoon ends with a reference to Jerry Colonna, the Italian-American comedian who worked usually with Bob Hope. Not the best but interesting, especially when the Japanese duck, trying to avoid anger from a victim, claims to be Chinese.
MartinHafer
This cartoon from 1942 is a cute way to discuss the evil menace of the Axis Powers. Hitler, Mussolini and a Japanese duck run amok in the farm yard spreading lies and bullying the other animals. Finally, the others who only wanted peace have had enough and proceed to whip the annoying three. This is a wonderful positive propaganda piece that was designed to solidify everyone behind the war effort and poke fun at the Fascists. While occasionally the cartoon lags and there is a joke about Black Southern ducks that might offend some, the cartoon is overall very well made and effective--possessing the usual high production values in Looney Toons cartoons.FYI--Although the Hitler duck was said to have been a "paper hanger", this is a common mistaken belief about Hitler. There is no evidence that he ever made a living wallpapering.
mreapeuro
I am a high school history teacher and have used this cartoon in my classes for years. I find that it gives my students a real feel for the home front as well examples of symbolism. I especially like to see their take on the Dove of Peace-does it stand for the U.S. or England or the allies in general? It is a great discussion starter.
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