Donald in Mathmagic Land (1959)

I know I saw this at least four times in public school. Disney did some instructional films during his tenure. In this one, Donald Duck with his whiny squawk and lack of discipline, bemoans the "fact" that he finds mathematics boring. But in steps the disembodied voice of Paul Frees (Boris Badenov) who leads Donald to Mathmagicland where he can see all the benefits of learning about numbers and geometric concepts. After one viewing in about fourth grade, this film was indelibly stuck in my head. We learn about why there are diamonds outside the rails of pool an billiard tables. We see how formulas are constructed. Mostly, it's a history lesson, showing how mathematics has aided people moving into modern time. And Donald is his usually squawky presence.

Donald Duck (and the audience) is given a tour of how mathematics have changed the world and impact our everyday life. It's a cute cartoon (with a few live-action scenes), and I'd love to give it 10 stars - the only reason I rate it a bit lower is that this film doesn't seem to have a good target audience. The math discussed is far beyond the comprehension of the child who would normally watch Disney cartoons, and it's too childish for someone old enough to know what the various concepts are. Granted, when a concept is introduced, the narrator attempts to describe the math in a way that someone unfamiliar with it might comprehend, but I have trouble believing that they succeeded in that attempt. Having said that, this is an admirable and creative way to demonstrate how math is relevant to children who might otherwise despise the subject and it was fun and humorous. I'll certainly have my child watch it when I think he is old enough and that's as high a compliment as I can give any movie.

One of the greatest films of all time. well, maybe one of the greatest educational films of all time. Disney could always make educational films fun and entertaining, and next to his 'Man in Space' series, this is his best. definitely his most timeless since some of the information in the 'Space' series is now dated. only problem is, this is so entertaining you just kick back and watch the cool retro animation and forget to take in the math lesson.Donald Duck quacks,squeaks and squawks his adorable little self through a succession of colorfully presented math lessons ending with a quote from Galileo that's intended to inspire awe and make us ponder the universe. I would have, but I was still too busy thinking about how cute Donald looked. especially when he was playing pool against a live action background.

This animated documentary was an excellent combination of entertainment and education and is a real feather in Disney's cap. Most people have varying degrees of either disinterest or dislike of mathematics. This renders math comprehensible as well as making it fun and interesting-a combination most of my math instuctors were either unwilling or unable to accomplish. After 41 years plus, this doesn't feel the least bit dated. I'm glad to see it's available. Three cheers for the mouse (and the duck too, though I must confess that, for the most part, Donald leaves me cold. Not here, though.). Most recommended.