Walt’s Love Letter to Latin America: A Disney Double Feature!

Another trip to the past. I decided to lump these two movies together because they were both influenced by Walt’s trip to South America. Unless you’re about to jump to 2017 when Coco jumped on the scene, we don’t get any other kind of Hispanic culture in the Walt Disney Universe. I used to brush this off as “a sign of the times” because "you can’t fault history for its ignorance". Though both of these movies are shorter than the average 90-minute run time, they are gems that deserve to be watched. I always like to write the introduction of these movie articles before I watch them so I can give you my honest opinion beforehand. I’m ashamed to say that I don’t remember much about these two movies other than they are set in South America and even that part I’m not too sure about. The description they provide on Disney+ is blander than a stale saltine, so let’s just jump right into what Saludos Amigos and The Three Caballeros have to offer in this double Disney feature!

Saludos Amigos

You already know things are going to be interesting when the movie starts with a racial disclaimer and a barbershop quartet singing in English. I guess I should be used to the “whitewash” of it all as I go through these earlier films, but it never ceases to surprise me. Seeing real footage of the crew getting on the plane back into 1942 was unexpected as well as the live footage dispersed throughout the entire movie. I’m not going to lie, I’m only a handful of minutes into this movie and I’m already brimming over with mixed emotions. While this is a great representation of the white man trying to educate the masses about the ancient civilizations and ways of South America, I can’t help but weep at the lack of respect they have always been given. They try to be educational but in turn, they are making Spanish culture a spectacle like you’re at the museum watching animatronics instead of real people living their lives. I do love the beautiful art pieces that have come out of this snapshot in time, but having Donald Duck as the tourist who can be the most insensitive of the Micky Mouse bunch only proves my point. This movie does its best to be respectful and capture their trip, but it’s still told through the eyes of white males in 1942. In summary, this is how this movie went by each of the four shorts:

• Donald Duck is an insensitive tourist through Lake Titicaca and the indigenous tribe of the Incas.

• Pedro the plane delivers the mail for his father through a dangerous pass between Chile and Argentina in a time when that was the only way to get communication across between the two countries.

• A tale of Goofy the typical American Cowboy from Oil-filled, Texas learning about the lifestyle of the similar Gaucho of Argentina in a very informative and respectful way (as possible for 1942).

• Fantastic Brazilian native Jose Carioca is born as the man of Samba and the world of Brazil is brought alive through a classic Brazilian song and the unfortunate curiosity of Donald Duck.

A lot of the people shown in this are depicted as white and it frustrates me to no end but doesn’t surprise me. Watching old movies like this stirs my ancestorial anger for colonialism, but it’s hard not to acknowledge how hard they tried to capture the beauty of the South America of 1942 with respect and awe. I feel like we need an updated version of this movie and a South American version of Fantasia. Just saying.

The Three Caballeros

It is really cool to see the inspirations of the last movie reflected in this one. Still starting off with the barbershop quartet but it's fine. So, Donald gets a large care package from Latin America and the first thing he unravels is a home movie of Pablo the Penguin. Pablo reminds me of all the times I’d try to get from wintery New York to sunny Miami. A comical short about a penguin who wants to live in the tropics because he gets cold easily. Narrated by the late voice actor of Winnie the Pooh, it’s a lighthearted tale that makes you sigh with ease. The following story of the gaucho would’ve been more interesting if it wasn’t told by a white narrator with a Spanish accent and poor pronunciation. But every time Jose Carioca comes on the stage my heart sings because of his authenticity. A Brazilian performance from 1944 proves that this movie is a true love letter from Walt Disney Studios to Latin America and its vibrant culture. We finish off in Mexico with the loveable and unbashful gallo, Panchito. I’m mad it took the whole movie to get the trio together, but the song made it worth the while. This trio depicts the differences between Latin American Spanish and Mexican Spanish which I greatly appreciate. Maybe cut out the whole scene of Donald chasing after a harem of Mexican models on the beach. It didn't age well, tuts.

The highlights of the Hispanic culture in a racially charged time warms my heart. Though done with some lumps and bumps, it really was made with love and each place was seen as a gift to be cherished. I’d encourage all my fellow Hispanics to watch it with a kind eye and an open heart. They really did try to give us a shine and for that all I can say is bravo. If only we could get a Caribbean version. Jeepers, wouldn’t that be something?

I look forward to seeing you in whatever form I appear. Until next time!

About the Author

Crystal Cabrae is a storyteller who specializes in writing dystopian, romantic, and adventurous worlds for animation and fantastical fiction. She is a proud graduate of Full Sail University, AMDA, and New World School of the Arts. Her six years of acting training in both New York and Miami gives her a unique perspective when approaching her characters. She has a passion for sharing how to create stories with the world and inspiring the storyteller that lives within all of us. Follow her on IG or Pinterest to know the latest.