I happen to agree with those who prefer the superb 1939 cartoon of the same title, especially in regard to the animation, the 1939 one for me has held up amazingly well and has a succinct story and one of Disney's most emotionally devastating moments. 1931's The Ugly Duckling does have a very impressive tornado sequence, but the black and white animation feels rather primitive and apart from perhaps the title character the character designs seemed awkward to me. However, the music is beautiful and very dynamic with what is going on on screen, the story is interesting if a little less succinct than the 1939 cartoon and the ugly duckling of the title is such an adorable little thing who you feel pity for right from the start. It was the message though that makes this 1931 cartoon work. It is a great message, one that I identified with(prejudice is one of many things I feel very strongly about) and one that I resonated with. What was also impressive was that the message wasn't done in a beat-around-the-head sort of way. In conclusion, a good cartoon with a strong message. 8/10 Bethany Cox
Review of The Ugly Duckling
