Release Date November 19, 1941

Synopsis

Reused and reconfigured animation from "The Three Little Pigs" is used to show the advisability of buying Canadian War Bonds to support the war effort.

Credits

Director : Ford L. Beebe

Characters

Three Little Pigs

Big Bad Wolf

DVD

United States

Disney Treasures : On the Front Lines

Comments

A short made for the National Film Board of Canada which promoted the purchase of Canadian war bonds.

From Jerry Edwards : The animation from "Three Little Pigs" is effectively recycled for this first of four public service shorts for the Canadian government to promote the sale of Canadian war bonds. I like how the Big Bad Wolf is redrawn with a Nazi hat and armband to represent the Nazi enemy. When the wolf attempts to blow down the brick house, the plaster is blown away to reveal that the bricks are protected by a secure "foundation of bonds." Thrifty Pig says, "These bricks not only stop his blowing, they will also get him going," and heaves the "certificate bricks" at the fleeing wolf. The three pigs sing at the end of the short:

"Who's afraid of the Big Bad Wolf? The Union Jack's still waving. We'll be safe from the Big Bad Wolf If you lend your savings.

I find it more interesting than entertaining, although there is some entertainment value. But the historical perspective is what makes this most interesting to me.

From Atsuko : I don't really find this one that great. As a fan of the Three Little Pig shorts, it was a disappointment that it is just recycled footage from "The Three Little Pigs" altered to make the wolf a Nazi and Practical's house made of war bonds. Considering that the original dealt with the Depression, changing it to reflect WWII ideas just doesn't seem right to me. It would have been better had they produced a new cartoon where the plot and message actually made sense together.

From Ryan : I realize that this short was not meant for the purpose of entertainment. It was merely meant to urge Canadians to buy war bonds. I like it historicalwise, but I would definitely not call it one of my favorites.

From Ajisai : I understand that this is one of those cartoons valued more for its historical role than for being entertaining. But as a big fan of the Pigs, this one really let me down. It's just recycled animation with some parts cheaply redrawn, and feels like a mockery of the original 1933 short. Practical's house being made of war bonds is cheesy, and the Wolf being a Nazi is just weird. I don't care much for the propaganda shorts, but this one left a particularly bad taste in my mouth.

From Christian : It's not the best short, but it's interesting to see the Big Bad Wolf take the role of Hitler.

I have seen "The Thrifty Pig" and would like to
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