Dumbo
Academy Award × 1·National Film Registry
Rent/Purchase
Dumbo is a baby elephant born with over-sized ears and a supreme lack of confidence. But thanks to his even more diminutive buddy Timothy the Mouse, the pint-sized pachyderm learns to surmount all obstacles.
What critics thought
DivisiveCritics in 1941 were nearly unanimous in their enthusiasm, singling out the film's restrained color palette, emotional warmth, and unusually tight storytelling for a Disney feature. The one recurring reservation was pacing — occasional slack in the middle act. What has complicated the film's legacy is the crow sequence, which divides opinion sharply: some scholars read the characters as demeaning minstrel stereotypes, while others argue they are among the most dignified and free-spirited figures in the entire film.
“the most genial, the most endearing, the most completely precious cartoon feature film ever to emerge from the magical brushes of Walt Disney's wonder-working artists”
Bosley Crowther·The New York Times
“the nicest, kindest Disney yet. It has the most taste, beauty, compassion, skill, restraint. It marks a return to Disney first principles, the animal kingdom—that happy land where Disney workers turn into artists; where their imagination, playfulness, ingenuity, daring flourish freest; where, in short, they're home.”
Cecelia Ager·PM
“one of Walt Disney's most delightful offerings. Technically, it is excellent; the color is exceptionally good. The story itself is pleasing; it combines comedy with human appeal. The only fault is that occasionally the action slows down.”
Harrison's Reports
“The crows are the snappiest, liveliest, most together characters in the film. They are tough and generous. They bow down to no one. And, of course, it is they who teach Dumbo to fly.”
Michael Wilmington·The American Animated Cartoon: A Critical Anthology
Genres
Adventure, Animation, Drama
Cast & Crew
DirectorBen Sharpsteen, Bill Roberts, Samuel Armstrong, Wilfred Jackson, Jack Kinney, Norman Ferguson
StarringEdward Brophy, Margaret Wright, Verna Felton, Sarah Selby, Noreen Gammill
ComposerOliver Wallace, Frank Churchill
Dumbo
Academy Award × 1·National Film Registry
Dumbo is a baby elephant born with over-sized ears and a supreme lack of confidence. But thanks to his even more diminutive buddy Timothy the Mouse, the pint-sized pachyderm learns to surmount all obstacles.
What critics thought
DivisiveCritics in 1941 were nearly unanimous in their enthusiasm, singling out the film's restrained color palette, emotional warmth, and unusually tight storytelling for a Disney feature. The one recurring reservation was pacing — occasional slack in the middle act. What has complicated the film's legacy is the crow sequence, which divides opinion sharply: some scholars read the characters as demeaning minstrel stereotypes, while others argue they are among the most dignified and free-spirited figures in the entire film.
“the most genial, the most endearing, the most completely precious cartoon feature film ever to emerge from the magical brushes of Walt Disney's wonder-working artists”
Bosley Crowther·The New York Times
“the nicest, kindest Disney yet. It has the most taste, beauty, compassion, skill, restraint. It marks a return to Disney first principles, the animal kingdom—that happy land where Disney workers turn into artists; where their imagination, playfulness, ingenuity, daring flourish freest; where, in short, they're home.”
Cecelia Ager·PM
“one of Walt Disney's most delightful offerings. Technically, it is excellent; the color is exceptionally good. The story itself is pleasing; it combines comedy with human appeal. The only fault is that occasionally the action slows down.”
Harrison's Reports
“The crows are the snappiest, liveliest, most together characters in the film. They are tough and generous. They bow down to no one. And, of course, it is they who teach Dumbo to fly.”
Michael Wilmington·The American Animated Cartoon: A Critical Anthology
Genres
Adventure, Animation, Drama
Cast & Crew
DirectorBen Sharpsteen, Bill Roberts, Samuel Armstrong, Wilfred Jackson, Jack Kinney, Norman Ferguson
StarringEdward Brophy, Margaret Wright, Verna Felton, Sarah Selby, Noreen Gammill
ComposerOliver Wallace, Frank Churchill
Rent/Purchase