The Reluctant Dragon

In this playful 1941 film, humorist Robert Benchley sets out to find Walt Disney with a simple mission: persuade him to adapt a short story about a most unusual dragon. Rather than breathing fire or hoarding treasure, this reluctant dragon would rather recite poetry and dote on the finer things of life, a gentle twist on the classic fairy-tale monster that lends the picture its warm, whimsical heart.

Benchley’s quest becomes the audience’s invitation behind the studio gates, as he is led on a lively tour of Walt Disney Studios. The movie cleverly blends live-action and animation, showing animators at work, explaining techniques, and demystifying the filmmaking process with touches of humor and curiosity. These sequences celebrate craftsmanship and creativity, offering a rare, affectionate peek at how animated stories come to life.

Interwoven with the studio tour is the animated telling of the dragon’s tale, a charming vignette that upends expectations and favors poetry and gentleness over violence. The Reluctant Dragon delights with its satirical whimsy and family-friendly heart, making it both a love letter to animation and a humorous exploration of creativity and imagination.