The Ducktators (1942) User Reviews (17)

The fowl versions of the Axis Leaders

[emasterslake · 6/10 · 13 May 2006]

This WW2 Looney Tune is Black and White and takes place on a farm.

Begins with the birth of a Duck version of Hitler. Then years later he got other ducks and geese to make him leader of his Nazi group.

As well as a goose version Mussolini who also helps out.

Then later one a Japanese Duck resembling Yamamoto comes from the west and does some mischief with Hitler and Mussolini.

The Dove of Hope hates what is happening and tries to use words to settle things, not war.

This cartoon is exactly what happened when WW2 began in a way. Even though in the TV versions the ending is a little rushed, but the version with the ending makes it better to watch.

And just your average banned WW2 cartoon due to the use of the Nazi symbol, Hitler, Mussolini, Yamamoto, and one of the duck soldiers being black and acting like a black person which can be racist to the blacks.

Propaganda from the war

[rbverhoef · 6/10 · 3 October 2004]

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.

for once, they apologize about potentially offensive material

[lee_eisenberg · 7/10 · 27 June 2007]

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.

propaganda material

[Kirpianuscus · 24 November 2019]

More a historical source than an animation itself, it gives the spirit of a period, reminds "Animal Farm" and propose a short lesson about democracy. All more than precise and amusing. The good thing - it remains a warning. In same measure, not ignoring the year of apparition, it reflects the entire effort of Allies in the WWII. So, a nice short propaganda film, in Looney Tunes tradition.

WWII propaganda piece

[TheOtherFool · 7/10 · 10 June 2004]

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.

The Three Axis Leaders - told Warner's Cartoon style

[theowinthrop · 7/10 · 25 April 2007]

An occasionally amusing World War II Warner's propaganda cartoon, THE DUCKTATORS tried to explain how a farm is taken over by Hitler, Mussolini, and a Japanese caricatured duck (Hirohito or Yamamoto or Tojo) and turned into an Axis haven (complete with storm troopers - who only march in stormy weather, according to the cartoon, and a secret police called "the Gestinko"). The Hitler duck signs a peace treaty (similar to Munich) which he puts into a shredder as soon as it is signed). The troublemakers are finally overthrown when the dove of peace gets fed up (when the Axis leaders march over him on a road) and beats the hell out of them. The cartoon ends with a reference to Jerry Colonna, the Italian-American comedian who worked usually with Bob Hope. Not the best but interesting, especially when the Japanese duck, trying to avoid anger from a victim, claims to be Chinese.

Wartime Propaganda

[Hitchcoc · 7/10 · 14 January 2019]

Often, in movie theaters, the lead in features were related to news events. Newsreels kept people informed as to what was going on in war (though sadly dated because of time constraints and distribution). These cartoons offered a broader brush. Here, a duck is born from a black egg and rises with a swastika arm band and a famous mustache. Soon the barnyard is being recruited by this figure plus one that looks like Mussolini and another being Hirohito. So what transpires is that peace efforts fail and soon the peaceful must rise to the occasion. This is well done and I am sure bolstered some people's hopefulness.

The Ducktators

[CinemaSerf · 6/10 · 18 March 2024]

We begin with the apprehensive Mr and Mrs Duck awaiting a birth. Out of the shell pops the world's first Nazi! Time flies and soon our newborn is daubing the place with swastikas and speechifying about taking over Europe and the World! He's soon joined by a dumb Italian goose who speaks in a dialogue of ice cream flavours and even the weather cock learns the salute! The dove of peace despairs, the treaty is soon confetti and the arrival of the third party to make a "silly axis" of himself completes the triumvirate of joke-worthy characters. The humour is sparse here and though we must remember it was made in 1942 as the USA was coming to terms with it's full engagement in WWII, a little more sophistication and less stereotyping might have made for a more entertaining and better standard of stand-up. We're socking it to them, though...

A rarity

[haildevilman · 10/10 · 13 March 2005]

If you can find this one, see it. It a classic example of WWII propaganda. Most of what Norm McCabe did (Tokio Jokio, Nutzy Spy) fell into that category. But it was clear they were having a good time making this one. Did anyone notice "Figaro" playing in the background when they showed the Mussolini goose? Or the Japanese duck calling himself crazy? Or when the big fight begins at the end, the voice yelling "Give 'em one for Pearl Harbor?" The "Gestinko Gestapo?" The treaty tearer-upper? Vintage stuff. All we need to do is remind people that this was propaganda at the time and they shouldn't take it seriously anymore. My wife is Japanese and she even laughed. Bring this one back.

Hitler The Duck

[CharletonHestonsGunCollection · 10/10 · 6 June 2002]

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!

Not the funniest Looney Toons film, but certainly one of the most educational

[planktonrules · 8/10 · 29 October 2006]

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.

Great for the classroom

[mreapeuro · 10/10 · 2 October 2003]

I am a high school history teacher and have used this cartoon in my classes for years. I find that it gives my students a real feel for the home front as well examples of symbolism. I especially like to see their take on the Dove of Peace-does it stand for the U.S. or England or the allies in general? It is a great discussion starter.

Dictators gone fowl

[TheLittleSongbird · 8/10 · 30 May 2018]

Love animation, it was a big part of my life as a child, particularly Disney, Looney Tunes and Tom and Jerry, and still love it whether it's film, television or cartoons. Actually appreciate t even more through adult eyes, thanks to having a broader knowledge of all the difficult animation styles and individual studios and directors.

Norm McCabe was overshadowed by very stiff competition when he was active, ones with more distinctive and imaginative styles, but he was a very capable director who never made it bigger (some of his work even relatively obscure), due to mainly never making colour cartoons and being responsible for some with racial stereotyping. While they weren't classics, some of his cartoons were actually pretty decent and more, they are a long way from terrible or must misses.

'The Ducktators' is one of his best cartoons to me and is much more accessible than one would think reading or knowing of the premise.

When it comes to the animation, 'The Ducktators' is very good. Much of it is fluid in movement, crisp in shading and very meticulous in detail. Ever the master, Carl Stalling's music is typically superb. It is as always lushly orchestrated, full of lively energy and characterful in rhythm, not only adding to the action but also enhancing it.

Mel Blanc as always provides terrific voice acting in multiple roles. Blanc shows an unequalled versatility and ability to bring an individual personality to every one of his multiple characters in a vast majority of his work, there is no wonder why he was in such high demand as a voice actor.

When it comes to the humour, 'The Ducktators' is very funny and even a lot of the time hilarious. There is a lot of content and it most of the time is sharp, witty and clever, also pretty ballsy to have daring portrayals during such a reign of terror nearly hitting its peak. Subtle it definitely isn't (something that is even acknowledged in the cartoon), the "propaganda" elements close to heavy handed, but it is underneath the laughs and the poking fun reflective of how many felt about the dictators at the time. The caricatures are great fun and are easily recognisable, unfamiliarity is not an issue here and the pace is lively with few lulls.

It's not just a funny cartoon. It is also very educational and will very likely make younger viewers want to learn more about the period and the dictators, it is a great historical piece on that front and serves greatly as a product of its time.

Not without issues. The ending is abrupt and rushed and a few parts dialogue-wise fall flat due to being so corny, such as the audience apology.

As said, the Black Southern ducks joke is not for the easily offended, found it out of place and not very funny myself and found it questionable if not offensive.

Overall, a huge amount to enjoy here. 8/10 Bethany Cox

Banned but Timeless

[au_law2001 · 9/10 · 2 May 2006]

Man, I remember this, I had a copy of this in one of those old compilations of Daffy Duck cartoons, way, way, back, when I was a kid. I can recall the Hirohito duck and his weird "Enrgish" singing and that parody of Hitler's speeches added with the "my momma a told me" and the Mussolini duck with the applause sign, and the only audience was the little fowl bound by a ball and chain. I also recall the marching of the three dictators with the "one, two, buckle my shoe..." and so on, and so on. Wooooo! All those years ago, these memories I had with this, and now on my age of 20, I can hardly believed that this was banned! But I would say it would be okay to watch this for fun or if you want to know a little about WWII, but you'll love it, it's good. By the way, that was not Daffy, during the salute, it was some lookalike, and there was this cut ending, where, after the rabbit knocks himself down, the three ran, only to be shot by a soldier coming out of an ad, and then the dove tells his children he hates war, but he chose no to run, and the there's three that didn't get away, then we see the dictators heads mounted on the wall, then some message says this is possible, all you have to do is buy United States Savings Bonds and Stamps, For Victory. I guess they cut that out because the advertising became useless after wards.

If you easily get offended then stay clear of this

[JurijFedorov · 8/10 · 24 January 2020]

This is great! What a mind-blow. I was putting off watching this because modern Disney and other companies are painfully childish for someone with a more mature taste in movies. So many modern cartoons are made for kids and feel a bit flat and lifeless to me. As if they are too afraid to say anything so they just try to bring forth a happy note and that's it.

This cartoon clearly digs much deeper. Hell, some of these jokes will for sure go over the head of even history lovers like myself. There are so many clever elements that every scene is a new historical event being introduced in a funny way. This is so good that I had a hard time believing it was from WW2. Most movies from that period are cheaply made movies as they just didn't have the civil economy for big projects outside of the war. So clearly anti-Nazi movies could get a fatter production budget and it shows. The best thing here is the writing which is meticulous. The songs are great.

During this 2016 U.S. Election Cycle many film fans wonder . . .

[oscaralbert · 8/10 · 30 September 2016]

. . . is a cigar ever JUST a cigar? THE DUCKTATORS opens with cigars galore, as the Adolph Hitler Duck's parents celebrate the hatching of their admitted "bad egg." In 1942 most people in the viewing audience would have seen this as a Current Events Spoof, mostly touching on happenings in (then) far-off Europe. They could never guess how clever Warner Bros.' Looney Tuners would prove in sneaking a second message even more important than the Surface Yuk Fest into the underbelly of each animated short, warning America of its approaching Calamities, Cataclysms, Catastrophes, and Apocalypti into the 21st Century and Beyond (if any). As the Hitler Duck spews his rancid rhetoric in broken German, the narrator intones "And there were some gullible ones who listened." As THE DUCKTATORS segues into the Infamous Axis Triad including Hitler's bunk mates Hirohito and Mussolini, 40% of Americans have noticed that the gullible OTHER 60% are marching in lock-step with a dude who sounds just like old Mr. Sig Heil! The Trumpsters' rise to power is as implausible as that of the Arty Austrian Corporal, whose Secret Pact with Mad Dog Stalin is echoed by the unreleased Donald J. Duck tax returns detailing how he is beholden for BILLIONS to Stalin's successor, Mad Dog Putin. Will this Manchurian Candidate prevail--despite Warner's DUCKTATORS warning--with his plan to liquidate the assets of U.S. taxpayers (such as our Original Constitution and the Liberty Bell) to settle the never-itemized personal debts he racked up during AT LEAST four bankruptcies from the ill-advised business dealings that squandered away the wealth this Trumpster inherited from Daddy?

Hitler Duck takes the spot!

[JohnHowardReid · 8/10 · 27 February 2018]

Characters: Hitler Duck, Mussolini Goose, Dove of Peace, Japanese Sapman, Colonna Rabbit.

Director: NORMAN McCABE. Story: Melvin Millar. Animator: John Carey. Music director: Carl W. Stalling. Producer: Leon Schlesinger.

Not copyrighted. A Warner Bros Looney Tunes cartoon. U.S. release: 1 August 1942. 1 reel. Available on an excellent Warner DVD.

COMMENT: This blatant 1942 propaganda piece is still very funny but even more interesting and entertaining today. It shines as an excellent example of Hollywood's quick response to a world at war.

The delicious off-camera narration is a real hoot.