Hi jinx from Disney

Press, 20 December 1986, Page 18

Hi jinx from Disney

Opening the "Wonderful World of Disney" magical Christmas salute tomorrow (Sunday) is the cartoon “Pluto’s Christmas Tree” (1952) starring Chip ’n’ Dale, who treat themselves to a memorable holiday at the expense of Mickey Mouse and Pluto.

The chipmunks create havoc around the trimmed tree and things quickly end in ornamental disaster. But in the true Christmas spirit, Mickey and Pluto forgive and forget, and soon all join Donald, Goofy and Minnie Mouse in a rousing rendition of “Deck the Halls.” Donald Duck and his nephews follow with some, of winter’s favourite pastimes — sledding, snowmen, and snowball tossing — in “Donald’s Snow Fight" (1942). Donald foils the youngsters’ fluffy constructions, but Huey, Dewey and Louie get the best of their uncle in a flurry of fast and furious snowball exchanges. Next, "On Ice” (1953) depicts Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Pluto frolicking and skating over a frozen-over river.

“Toy Tinkers” (1949) finds Donald Duck shovelling snow from the walk outside his house. He spots Chip ’n’ Dale cleaning snow off their tree and tricks them into cleaning off his walk. The wily chipmunks avenge themselves on Donald with a wild chase which culminates with Donald shovelling the sidewalk again, but this time the problem is popcorn instead of snow.

“The Small One” (1978) is the dramatic account of a young boy who must find a new home for his pet donkey in ancient Nazareth. Seasonal sequences from “Lady and the Tramp,” “Cinderella” and “The Three Caballeros” round out the hour-long special. “The Wonderful World of Disney” will screen tomorrow (Sunday) on Two at 6 p.m. -