"Toy Tinkers" - Donald Duck with Chip and Dale (1949)

When Chip and Dale are rudely awakened from their winter nap by Donald Duck cutting down a nearby tree for Christmas, they follow him home to see what all the fuss is about.  Peering inside the frosted windows they spot all kinds of goodies. So, naturally, they find their way inside and begin to play with the things they encounter, infuriating Donald Duck, who just doesn’t seem to understand the Spirit of Christmas. Naturally, a battle of wits ensues, with Donald looking like he will be the “Grinch” for Christmas.

But, never underestimate Chip and Dale, who wage an all-out war to bring Peace on Earth to Donald Duck.

"Out of Scale" starring Donald Duck with Chip and Dale (1951)

I don’t remember Donald Duck in any cartoons with Chip and Dale, but apparently there were quite a few. This episode was released on November 2, 1951. In it, Donald arrives at the miniature town of Canyonville, the home of Chip and Dale. Notice how the neighborhood closely resembles the post war housing developments which had just begun to spring up across the nation in the wake of the post war housing shortage.

Donald attempts to erect a railroad set in his backyard he goes overboard, planting small trees and creating a veritable village for his train. But trouble is afoot when he discovers Chip and Dale living in one of the larger trees he needs to move for his railroad. When he evicts them from their home in the tree, they take up residence in one of the miniature houses Donald has erected in his quest to build the perfect little village.  This begins a struggle between them which, as usual, reaches epic proportions.

When Donald removes their large tree, Chip and Dale see their chance, re-planting it back in the way of Donald’s train. Donald is furious at being outwitted by Chip and Dale, but, with a bit of cunning they proceed to show Donald that duck and nature can co-exist peacefully side by side. This may be one of the earliest cartoons espousing the need for man to balance progress with nature.

"Out on a Limb" with Donald Duck and Chip 'n Dale (1950)

I chose this cartoon because it is one of the few which feature the Donald Duck theme song. Many people are unaware that he even had one. I especially like the harmonies, which are indicative of the late 1940’s and 1950’s style, performed tightly, almost as if they were one voice. Also, this is one of a series of Donald Duck cartoons featuring Chip and Dale.

Cartoons are a distinct memory for me as a child. We got our first TV in 1957. I remember getting up early each morning about 6:30 and turning the TV on. My brother and I would sit through about 5 minutes of the “Test Pattern” before the National Anthem was played. It was accompanied by film of the National Monuments in Washington and a flyover of some Air Force jets. It may seem hokey now, but to a little kid during the Cold War, that short film made me feel as if we were the top dogs in the world.  Enjoy the cartoon!