One of the fondest memories from my childhood is that of my Mother taking my brother and I to see Pinocchio. Before the film was an animated short film called "The Small One." A Christian-centric story of a Donkey named "Small One" and the little boy who had to sell him, but loved him enough to find him the perfect home. Originally written as a short story by Charles Tazwell in 1958, the story became popular on the radio through out the late 50's the 1960's. In the early 70's Disney went looking for experimental stories to be animated by the newer generation of Disney artist's. "The Small One" was among them, and was even directed by future animation legend, Don Bluth. Disney's trademark magic is alive and well in this very detailed short. The story follows a young boy who lives near Nazareth with his Father and their 4 donkeys. The Boy loves small one and the other donkeys don't appreciate it. "Small one" is an old animal that is quite past his prime. He cannot carry the same loads as the other donkeys, yet he eats just as much as them. Because of this the Boy's father decide's that "Small One" must be sold. Heartbroken, the Boy does as his father commanded and takes the donkey to town to sell him. The first man he meets is the tanner, who only wants the donkey so he can kill him and take his hide. After that, all they meet are men of greed and arrogance who find no value in this small animal. Once the boy has exhausted all options, It is "Small One" who decides that he will give himself up and allow the boy to sell him to the tanner. But just before that can happen, the Boy and "Small One" find themselves smack dab in the middle of THE Christmas story. "The Small One" is a family classic,and although it does contain minor Christian overtones, it is a beautiful story that can be enjoyed by all families. You can find "The Small One" on Walt Disney Animation Collection:
Volume 7: Mickey's Christmas Carol DVD.
-Admiral Duke
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