Tonight with Family: Unjustly Overlooked, This Disney Released 48 Years Ago is a Gem You Shouldn't Miss

Have you seen all the animated feature films from Disney? That's already great! But do you know about this beautiful short film released in the late 70s?

Over 2000 years ago, in Judea, a young boy is sent to sell his beloved little donkey to provide for his family. Very sad at the thought of parting with his friend, he nonetheless heads to the marketplace and meets several townsfolk to offer them the gentle and tender animal in exchange for a few coins.

On his journey, he encounters several unique characters, but most importantly, he meets a man named Joseph, who is looking for a mount to take his wife Mary and the child she carries on an extraordinary journey.

An Unjustly Overlooked Short Film

In addition to the numerous animated feature films that have left their mark on the long and prestigious history of Disney studios, which the general public generally knows quite well, there are also several films produced by the enchanted kingdom that, while shorter in duration, often possess invaluable qualities.

Like Bongo, King of the Circus, The Frog Pond, or The Prince and the Pauper, The Little Donkey of Bethlehem, released in 1978 and screened as a short before Pinocchio during its theatrical re-release, is among the most precious gems of this hidden treasure.

Walt Disney Animation Studios

A Legend of Animation

Intelligently recounting the story of Christmas and the birth of Jesus through the eyes of the little donkey in the manger, it also offers us a moving story of friendship between a young boy and his best friend. Tender, emotional, and beautiful, this wonderful little tale of less than half an hour might just bring a tear to your eye (and it is still available for free online).

It must be said that we owe it to a certain Don Bluth, who was still an animator at Disney studios at the time, but who would soon spread his wings to become a true legend of animation by creating works such as An American Tail, The Land Before Time, and Anastasia.

What They Will Love...

• The beautiful friendship between the young protagonist of the film and his adorable little donkey.
• The three songs in the film, which are particularly well done.

What Might Worry Them...

• At first glance, nothing, but we recommend preparing some tissues.