Donald’s Diary (1954)

Donald’s Diary Review

Donald’s Diary is a 1954 animated short film produced by Disney. It’s a pretty good flick.

Donald recounts in his diary his love story with Daisy. He does this in a sophisticated gentleman voice that was at first strange, but it was still an inspired choice that made for a very elegant and cinematic experience. The highlight is the ending where Donald realizes what his future holds and he runs away from Daisy to freedom. I do realize how some would take offence at this depiction of Daisy, but I would counter that this movie is not sexist, but anti-marriage, which was a common theme during this era.

And it’s a comedy that was genuinely funny in that conclusion, so it worked for me personally. I did not love Daisy’s design. She looked odd. The same goes for Donald. But other than that strange stylistic choice, the movie still looked polished, it was phenomenally scored and it seemed so cinematic due to its interesting dream structure and narration. It should have been funnier in the first half, but the second half was highly amusing.

Donald’s Diary is an uneven, but inspired movie that is quite different and unique. The highlight is its comedic ending, fun narration and a very well executed dream structure.

My Rating – 4.2