About Saludos Amigos

Released in 1943, "Saludos Amigos" is a Disney anthology film made up of four different segments, each taking the viewer on a journey through different parts of South America. The film was created as part of the U.S. government’s Good Neighbor policy to strengthen ties with Latin American countries. This unique animated feature blends education, entertainment, and cultural appreciation.

Making / Production

The creation of Saludos Amigos, finds Walt Disney and his team traveling to various South American countries, soaking in the culture and gathering tons of visual references for the animated segments. The film was part of the Good Neighbor program during World War II, aimed at strengthening ties in the Western Hemisphere.

Actors

• Lee Blair, playing himself, gives life to the character with his talented animation skills.
• Mary Blair, playing herself, lends her artistry to the film’s aesthetics and design.
• Pinto Colvig, the voice of Goofy, brings the beloved Disney character to life in a fun and enjoyable segment.
• Walt Disney, voicing Mickey Mouse, adds a touch of magic and familiarity to the film.
• Norman Ferguson, playing himself, contributes with his animation and storytelling skills.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Saludos Amigos is Disney's sixth animated feature film.
• The film is relatively short, with a runtime of just 42 minutes.
• It was the first of six package films Disney produced in the 1940s to save costs during World War II.
• The film resulted in the creation of a popular Latin Disney character, José Carioca.

Awards

This unique film was nominated for three Academy Awards in 1943: Best Sound, Best Musical Score, and Best Original Song.

Quotes

• "We're always exploring and experimenting. We're always moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things.” - Walt Disney
• "You can design and create, and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality." - Walt Disney

Music, Soundtrack

• The score of "Saludos Amigos" is composed by Paul Smith and Charles Wolcott.
• The title song, "Saludos Amigos", was written by Charles Wolcott and Ned Washington.
• The song "Aquarela do Brasil" performed by Aloysio Oliveira marked the first time the famous song was presented in a film.