On August 24th, 1942, Saludos Amigos was released. It would be the 6th Disney Animated Feature Film to be produced and was something completely different than the films before. History buffs know that in 1942, the world had already been thrust into the Second World War. The timing and content of this film were no coincidence. Saludos Amigos, as well as The Three Caballeros, were created with ‘Goodwill Funding’. This was a direct result of the ‘Good Neighbor Policy’ that President Franklin Roosevelt had enacted to better the relationships between The United States and South America. Looking for more fascinating information about this great film? Check out the facts below!
Please Note: Per the Disney Content Advisory, This film includes negative depictions and/or mistreatment of people or cultures.
- South America Premiere!
- This was the first Disney Animated Feature film that did not premiere in the United States! The World Premiere was in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
- One Teeny Film
- Did you know that this film is Disney’s Shortest Animated Feature to date? Running at around 42 minutes, the movie works to give a crash course in some of the sights of South America.
- 4 Shorts
- This film is compiled of 4 10-minute animated shorts. These shorts were originally supposed to be released individually but were combined and connected for the effectiveness of the film. This also benefits the film by joining several countries and educating those who may have never been to South America about the many different cultures.
- Photo Recreation
- There is a specific scene where we see animators and the production crew board a flight to South America. There was no actual footage of the original boarding, so Walt Disney had this boarding recreated! See if you can spot the beloved animator Mary Blair!
- World War 2 Impact
- So, why Saludos Amigos. Well, we all know that Disney’s influence goes beyond a country’s borders. Mickey Mouse and Disney were already huge influential international hits. Though Walt Disney himself did not convince the people and government of Brazil to remain allies with the United States during the Second World War, the Disney Americana impact was hugely effective – and Saludos Amigos was a hit! The release of The Three Caballeros in 1944, a year before the war would end, would only strengthen that popularity.
Did we miss any of your favorite facts? Let us know in the comment below!
Photo: Disney
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