The New Spirit (1942): Cast & Plot
The New Spirit is a 1942 short animated film directed by Ben Sharpsteen and Wilfred Jackson, starring Clarence Nash as Donald Duck (voice) (uncredited), Fred Shields and Cliff Edwards. It runs 7 minutes.
- Released
- Runtime
- 7 min
- Directors
- Ben Sharpsteen and Wilfred Jackson
- Genre
- Animation
- Original language
-
English - Studio
- U.S. Department of Treasury
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is The New Spirit About?
The premise of The New Spirit without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
Animated documentary promoting timely filing and payment of Federal income taxes, demonstrated by Donald Duck’s difficulties with his tax return.
The New Spirit Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- propaganda
- donald duck character
- year 1942
- propaganda film
- hand drawn animation
- 2d animation
- taxes
- income tax
- u.s. government
- military
- government film
- 1940s
+38 more Show fewer
- world war two
- washington d.c.
- anthropomorphism
- anthropomorphic animal
- united states of america
- three word title
- 20th century
- duck
- axis
- radio commentator
- commentator
- broadcast
- thought bubble
- swastika
- rifle
- pen
- mirror
- mirror does not reflect reality
- mailbox
- licking envelope
- landscape as map
- journey shown on map
- inkwell
- character interacts with narrator
- cartoon duck
- cartoon bird
- blotter
- bird
- taxpayer
- radio program
- patriot
- patriotism
- narrator
- narration
- lesson
- japan
- italy
- interrogation
The New Spirit Cast & Characters
Clarence Nash leads the cast as Donald Duck (voice) (uncredited), with Fred Shields as Radio Announcer (voice) (uncredited) and Cliff Edwards. Directed by Ben Sharpsteen and Wilfred Jackson.
-
Co-director Ben Sharpsteen -
Co-director Wilfred Jackson
- Clarence Nash as Donald Duck (voice) (uncredited)
- Fred Shields as Radio Announcer (voice) (uncredited)
-
Cliff Edwards
More from Ben Sharpsteen and Wilfred Jackson
More films directed by Ben Sharpsteen and Wilfred Jackson, best-rated first: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Pinocchio, Cinderella and Dumbo.
The New Spirit Plot Summary
What happens in The New Spirit from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 1-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
Set during the United States’ entry into World War II, the short opens with Clarence Nash voicing Donald Duck as he dances to a stirring patriotic tune. A radio announcer (voiced by Fred Shields) calls on him to prove his loyalty and asks if he is ready to do his part for the country. Donald, eager and earnest, proclaims his loyalty and begs to know how he can contribute, but his initial excitement cools when the announcer notes that mere words aren’t enough. He explains that taxes and resources are essential to fuel the war effort and support the nation’s troops. Reinvigorated, Donald listens as the announcer makes the case that duty involves practical steps, not just sentiment.
Full summary
The whole story of The New Spirit, scene by scene
How Well Do You Know The New Spirit?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
Which Disney character stars in this 1942 short?
The New Spirit Also Known As
4 alternative titles, including “El nuevo espíritu” and “Дональд Дак: Боевой дух”.
- Also known as
-
- El nuevo espíritu
- Дональд Дак: Боевой дух
- הרוח החדשה
- El pato Donald: El nuevo espíritu
Seen The New Spirit?
Movies Like The New Spirit
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including The Spirit of ’43, Donald’s Decision and Donald in Mathmagic Land.
-
The Spirit of ’43 1943 -
Donald’s Decision 1942 -
Donald in Mathmagic Land 1959 -
The Ducktators 1942 -
Der Fuehrer’s Face 1943 -
Down and Out with Donald Duck 1987 -
Donald’s Better Self 1938 -
Donald’s Camera 1941 -
Donald’s Happy Birthday 1949 -
A Good Time for a Dime 1941 -
Scrooge McDuck and Money 1967 -
Ducking the Devil 1957
The New Spirit FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast and post-credit scenes of The New Spirit, each answered in a sentence.
How long is The New Spirit?
The New Spirit runs 7 minutes.
When was The New Spirit released?
The New Spirit was released on January 22, 1942.
Who directed The New Spirit?
The New Spirit was directed by Ben Sharpsteen and Wilfred Jackson.
More films by Ben Sharpsteen Who is in the cast of The New Spirit?
The New Spirit stars Clarence Nash as Donald Duck (voice) (uncredited), Fred Shields as Radio Announcer (voice) (uncredited) and Cliff Edwards.
Does The New Spirit have a post-credit scene?
No. The New Spirit has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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