Donald Duck's 50th Birthday


Donald Duck's 50th Birthday is a television special broadcast on November 13, 1984, on CBS. As the title suggests, it was produced to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Donald Duck character, who first appeared in the Walt Disney short The Wise Little Hen in 1934.
Donald is shown in both animated and live costumed form, interacting with emcee Dick Van Dyke and other cast members. The film not only shows Donald's life, but also depicts an extensive international tour that Donald went on in 1984. Various celebrities of the day send Donald birthday greetings, including Ed Asner, Andy Warhol, Donna Summer and the Star Wars droids. The tour culminates in a parade in Donald's honor at Disneyland.
This was the last time Clarence Nash voiced Donald Duck before his death in 1985. It was rebroadcast on Disney Channel Europe on November 13, 2004, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the special plus at the end of the special, it has the sign: "Walt Disney 1901–1966 Clarence Nash 1904–1985".

Features

Star Wars characters R2-D2 and C-3PO explain that clarity of speech are qualities that are vital to future languages and that those who do not possess such qualities are doomed. They then add that there are exceptions to that rule, case in point, Donald's famed speech impediment, created by Clarence Nash, which they claim they know very well. C-3PO closes out this scene by saying, "Happy birthday, Mr. Duck. And Mr. Nash".

1984 birthday tour

In 1984, Donald Duck went on an international tour through Europe, Japan and parts of the United States. Some of these stops on his tour actual stage performances attended by other Disney characters. Donald's arrival at airports was met with colossal crowds that kept getting bigger. There were also several parades for Donald, and not just at the Disney theme parks. In one, Donald sat in a staff car in his military uniform and was promoted to the rank of sergeant. This scene was also when he was discharged from the US Army. Donald is also shown having his footprints cast in cement at Grauman's Chinese Theatre in May 1984.
In the film, Donald's tour is shown with music as well as dialogue, assumedly added later by Clarence Nash.

Cast

Muppet performers

Also featured is Walt Disney in several clips.

Featured clips

The Wise Little Hen The Band Concert Don Donald Lonesome Ghosts Donald's Nephews Donald's Golf Game Donald's Better Self The Autograph Hound The Riveter Mr. Duck Steps Out Window Cleaners The Reluctant Dragon Old Mac Donald Duck Der Fuehrer's Face Donald Gets Drafted Bellboy Donald Saludos Amigos The Three Caballeros Commando Duck Donald's Crime Fun and Fancy Free Donald's Dream Voice Bee at the Beach Canvas Back Duck Donald's Diary

Soundtrack

Happy, Happy Birthday to You was released on the Splashdance LP and cassette. Splashdance has since been re-released on compact disc.

Print sources

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