Mickey Mouse Works: "Donald's Failed Fourth"

Premiered March 1, 1999.

July 4th has arrived and Donald Duck (Tony Anselmo) is excited about watching fireworks.  His girlfriend Daisy (Diane Michelle) tasks him with finding a spot for watching the fireworks and setting up their picnic.  As Daisy steps away, she tells Donald to make sure he sets up "a perfect view for the night sky."

Donald finds what appears to be the ideal spot for the picnic blanket and lays it on the ground.  However, the blanket comes to life and attacks Donald!  

He resorts to drastic measures in order to get the blanket to lay flat. 

The scenario seems to improve when Daisy returns to drop off some folding chairs, then she steps away.  Unfortunately, the chairs also prove to be uncooperative.  

The same can be said of the picnic basket, which spits out its contents and locks Donald inside it!  All of this causes Donald to throw one of his patented temper tantrums!

Can Donald Duck convince his picnic supplies to cooperate?  Or will his plans for a romantic 4th of July celebration with Daisy be ruined?

J.A. Morris says: 

This is a very short, slight cartoon, but it's a lot of fun.  And as we've said here before, there aren't a lot of specials, movies or episodes built around the 4th of July.  So we're always glad to discover programming that celebrates holidays other than Christmas, Halloween and Thanksgiving.  

"Donald's Failed Fourth" is very much in the tradition of classic Donald Duck theatrical cartoons that were released in the 1930s through the 50s.  Donald would frequently get angry in those shorts and launch into squawking fits.  That's exactly what happens here when his blanket, chairs and basket seem determined to ruin his Independence Day picnic with Daisy.  

"Donald's Failed Fourth" is a cute cartoon set at 4th of July that will be enjoyed by Disney fans of all ages, but it's brief running time prevents me from giving it a higher rating.  

J.A. Morris' rating:
.5

2 and a half American flags.

RigbyMel says: 

I have always been a Donald Duck fan and generally enjoy animated shorts featuring the irascible duck.   "Donald's Failed Fourth" is an enjoyable, if featherweight (pun intended) 4th of July short.  

That being said, I do feel like some of the gags in this short feel repetitive, especially in a very short animated short.  

"Donald's Failed Fourth" is worth taking a look at for fans of Disney in general and Donald Duck in particular, but maybe not a "classic".  

RigbyMel's rating:

.5

2 and a half American flags.