The Three Caballeros

The Three Caballeros is an early Disney animation that includes both animated characters and human co stars. Released during World War II, it was the second time Disney explored South America. The previous Disney animated venture, Saludos Amigos, and

The Three Caballeros were promoted by the State Department to encouraged friendships in the Western Hemisphere going beyond just an entertainment venture.

This Disney animated film; The Three Caballeros takes place on Donald Duck's Friday the 13th birthday. He receives a package from his South American friends that contains a film and projector. In a film within the film a cold penguin drifts past South American coastlines, introducing the viewer to South American birds and displaying wonderfully animated maps.

First released in Mexico in 1944 and the US in 1945, The Three Caballeros was originally dubbed into both Spanish and Portuguese in its effort to promote good will with our Hispanic neighbors. The video was re-released in 2007. Songs and characters from The Three Caballeros appear in other Disney animations and as characters at the Mexican Pavilion in Epcot.

There are scenes in this animated Disney film that echo the feeling of Pink Elephants on Parade, often referred to as drunken scenes. A terrific scene of mixed cartoon animation and live action takes place when a Mexican girl uses a conductor's baton to make Cacti dance. The classic animation throughout is a real treat and causes collectors to buy the re-release on DVD of The Three Caballeros.