The Small One (1978) ***

A Disney short directed by Don Bluth. The story deals with a young boy trying to sell his donkey. After many unpleasant ecounters, he finally sells it to a certain Joseph, who needs it to carry his pregnant wife, Mary (aren't those names familiar ?). Bluth's approach to his material is too serious, but the quality of animation and the beautifully drawn backgrounds are definite assets. The warm color hues, especially the various shades of orange, would later become tradmarks of Don Bluth's palette.