The Ducktators

This is one of the best propaganda cartoons made during WWII. This cartoon tells the story of how World War II began, but the world is a barnyard and the Axis powers are all ducks while the Allies are represented by "the Bird of Peace." Some of the gags are dated (mostly the Japanese jokes) and without at least some knowledge of pre-WWII events, some of them might slip by you. If you ever get to see this great cartoon consider yourself very lucky!

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.

World War II cartoon spoofing Adolf Hitler and his companions. One day, a duck is born in an animal town, and when it comes out of the egg it immediately resembles Hitler, mustache and all. His first words: Sieg Heil!

Also introduced is Mussolini as a gullible goose before the film turns a bit more serious with a peace dove wondering what has happened to his town ('have they forgot it's love that's bright, and not is gained by show of might'). I love it when 'Hitler' uses the shredder on 'sacred pledges'; the 'treaty tearer upper'. It reminds me of Seinfeld language :)

The peace dove can't take it no more in the end and decides to kick some German, Italian and Japanese butt. The ending is somewhat abrupt and the film sometimes a bit lame ('we wish to apologize to the nice ducks and geese in the audience') but overall a pretty good cartoon. Interesting to watch as a time piece: 7/10.

In one of the many WWII-themed Looney Tunes/Merrie Melodies cartoons, Hitler, Mussolini and Hirohito are portrayed as ducks taking over a barnyard. One thing that I noticed that the cartoon does is show a sign apologizing to the good ducks and geese about the potentially offensive material. And then they follow it with the Hirohito duck (with giant teeth and slits for eyes). That's wartime for ya.

As can be expected, the Hitler duck is a raving lunatic (his mama done told him), while the Mussolini duck - or goose - is a tub of lard. Given how the cartoon explains that some of the farm animals fell for the Fuhrer's game, we might interpret that as an explanation of how people fall for what these despots propose: they do what they're told.

All in all, a pretty funny cartoon. That looked like Daffy as the Southern German duck.

This is a propaganda cartoon made during World War II. The black and white Looney Tunes cartoon tells the story of Hitler, Mussolini and Hirohito only they are portrayed as ducks. The barnyard they are on must present the world. We see how the three take over that barnyard but how one duck ends that. That duck, I guess, must be the United States of America.

The short is nice propaganda and especially the first minute where the Hitler-duck is born is great. After this it is entertaining but to be honest not that great. When the Japanese duck is introduced it gets a little better. Overall it is a nice cartoon and a perfect example of propaganda with this medium.