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Walt Disney's Donald Duck: 50 Years of Happy Frustration

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I was a bit surprised to learn that during World War II the most popular cartoon character was Donald Duck. But then it dawned on me that this would make sense since there has never been a more foul-mouthed character in animation history than Disney's famous fowl. Sure, you can never understand a single world Donald is saying once he gets going in one of his frustrated rages, but you know it has to be dirty. Otherwise, why would it be unintelligible? So, naturally Donald would appeal to American troops, who would be able to appreciate his ability to vent and it is not surprising that he appeared on over 400 insignias (supplied free of charge by Disney to the government) during the war.

"Walt Disney's Donald Duck: 50 Years of Happy Frustration" is an authorized anniversary edition celebration Donald Duck's 50th Birthday in 1984. Donald Duck first debuted on June 9, 1934 in a Disney "Silly Symphony" short called "The Wise Little Hen." Within a year of his classic performance in "The Band Concert" in 1935, what was originally intended as a supporting character was challenging Mickey Mouse as Disney's top cartoon personality and an international superstar. When this book was published Donald has starred in 128 cartoons, appeared in 432 other shorts and future, with his movies shown in 76 countries. Those cartoons have been nominated for Academy Awards a dozen times and received one Oscar. Donald Duck comic strips were published in over 100 newspapers outside the United States with his comic books distributed in 47 countries.

This book celebrates that half-century of achievement and chronicles Donald Duck's rise to fame while also trying to explain the mysteries of the phenomenon. Included are sections on: (1) Donald's origin and creators: (2) Donald's physique, character, and charisma, his relationships with family, friends, foes, and even Donna (remember her?) and Daisy; (3) Donald's animation and film career; (4) Donald's published appearances in book, comic book and strip cartoon form; and (5) "Duckmania," covering his role in product marketing. The back of the book includes a Filmography and Bibliography as well as a section on Duck Language, which consists of a list of "Practical Duck Expressions" taken from a Disney Studio's internal information sheet issued circa 1939. All of these phrases "have been tested for clarity and we know they are understandable."

This is an entertaining and informative look at the history of Donald Duck that takes time to pay attention to the details. For example, there are three different versions of how Clarence "Ducky" Nash came to be the voice of Donald Duck for a half-century. There is also a little section devoted to Donald the Patriot that covers his efforts during World War II. Additionally there are all sorts of illustrations from his career in the various media covered in the text. Whatever you know about the history of the character, "Walt Disney's Donald Duck: 50 Years of Happy Frustration" will add to your knowledge. There is an emphasize on breadth of information rather than depth, but that simply means you end up with a concise volume that comes in under 100 pages instead of a massive tome that would be hard to lift.