The Three Caballeros (1944)

• Directors
  • Norman Ferguson
  • Clyde Geronimi(sequence director)
  • Jack Kinney(sequence director)
• Writers
  • Homer Brightman(story)
  • Ernest Terrazas(story)
  • Ted Sears(story)
• Stars
  • Aurora Miranda
  • Carmen Molina
  • Dora Luz

  Three Caballeros is the first Walt Disney feature to combine animation with live action footage. Originally conceived as World War II propaganda promoting good relations between the United States and Latin America, the film details the adventures of Donald Duck as he meets two Latin birds--Jose Carioca and Panchito,--and the three head down to Rio. The film doesn't have a concrete story, choosing to follow the three animated birds through Latin America, as they sing a number of songs, get into trouble and have a number of very amusing experiences. Filled with achingly funny jokes, good music, and stunning, ground-breaking animation, The Three Caballeros remains extremely entertaining decades after its release. It is one of Disney's unacknowledged classics.