WALT AND EL GRUPO

(not rated)

It's 1941 and the U.S. government has a lot on its mind, including the growing Nazi presence in South America. What a perfect time, the thinking went, to send a group of artists as cultural and diplomatic representatives. These Ambassadors of good will were cast perfectly: Walt Disney and 18 of his top writers and artists. By this time the name Disney was world famous, and they were usually greeted with adoration and joy. The Nazi government tried to stop the goodwill PR, but the Disney magic was working for the entire three months the group explored Brazil, Argentina and Chile. The music, dancing, costumes, and especially characters Walt and company met in South America showed up later in two feature films and beloved Disney animated characters. This is not a disturbing or provocative film, but a look at unusual Americans during a challenging time bringing something positive to the world. Writer-Director Theodore Thomas sets the film in political context, especially the Disney studio strike and the World War II forces bearing down on South America. But this is a people movie, and the artists and Disney himself is worth spending time with..a vacation for the filmgoer we could all use these days.