The Small One, 1978
A great collection of original production animation cels for sale from the Walt Disney feature film.
Original hand painted production animation cels of Boy and Small One (Donkey) from "The Small One," 1978, Walt Disney Studios; Set on a lithographic background; Production numbers lower right; Size - Boy & Small One: 7 x 6 3/4", Image 10 3/4 x 15 1/2"; Unframed; SOLD!
Original hand painted production animation cel of Boy and Small One (Donkey) from "The Small One," 1978, Walt Disney Studios; Set on a lithographic background; Production numbers lower right; Size - Boy & Small One: 9 x 10 1/2", Image 10 1/2 x 13 3/4"; Unframed; SOLD!
Original hand painted production animation cel of Boy and Small One (Donkey) from "The Small One," 1978, Walt Disney Studios; Set on a lithographic background; The Walt Disney Company Seal and numbered 27 in ink lower right; Size - Boy & Small One: 8 3/4 x 9 3/4", Image 10 1/2 x 14"; Unframed; SOLD!
Original hand painted production animation cel of Boy and Small One (Donkey) from "The Small One," 1978, Walt Disney Studios; Production numbers in ink lower cel edge; Numbered 1 in ink and Walt Disney Seal lower right; Set on a lithographic background; Size - Boy & Small One: 4 1/2 x 5 1/4", Image 10 x 13 1/4"; Unframed; SOLD!
Original hand painted production animation cel of Boy and Small One (Donkey) from "The Small One," 1978, Walt Disney Studios; Set on a lithographic background; Numbered 53 in ink lower right; Copyright Walt Disney Productions stamp and Walt Disney Seal lower left; Size - Boy & Small One: 7 x 8 1/2", Image 10 x 13 1/4"; Unframed; SOLD!
Original matching hand painted production animation cels of Boy and Small One (Donkey) from "The Small One," 1978, Walt Disney Studios; Walt Disney Seal and production numbers in ink lower right; Size - Boy & Small One: 7 x 8 1/2", Image 8 3/4 x 13 1/4", Mat 13 1/4 x 18 1/2"; Double Matted; SOLD!
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Original hand painted production animation cels of Boy and Small One (Donkey) from "The Small One," 1978, Walt Disney Studios; Set on a lithographic background; Production numbers lower right; Size - Boy & Small One: 7 x 6 3/4", Image 10 3/4 x 15 1/2"; Unframed.
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Disney’s The Small One is a 1978 animated short film that reflects the studio’s tradition of heartfelt storytelling and gentle moral lessons. Directed by Don Bluth, who would later become known for his own independent animated features (The Secret of NIMH, An American Tail), the film marked one of Disney’s more emotionally mature works of the late 1970s. Set in biblical times near the town of Nazareth, The Small One tells the touching story of a young boy and his beloved old donkey, Small One, who is no longer strong enough to work on the
family farm. Facing the painful reality that the animal must be sold, the boy travels to town in search of a kind new owner—setting the stage for a story that combines innocence, compassion, and faith.
Visually, The Small One showcases Disney’s skill in blending realism with warmth. The animation, though modest in scope compared to the studio’s feature films, is richly atmospheric. The desert landscapes and bustling town scenes are drawn with a soft, painterly touch that complements the gentle pace of the story. Don Bluth’s influence is particularly evident in the expressive character animation and emotional subtlety—the boy’s affection for Small One is conveyed through tender gestures, while the donkey’s weariness is portrayed with quiet dignity. The film’s tone balances sorrow with hope, creating a poignant experience that appeals to both children and adults.
Musically, The Small One features several songs that enhance its emotional depth. The most memorable, “Small One,” underscores the bond between the boy and his donkey with simple yet heartfelt lyrics. The marketplace sequence—where the boy faces ridicule and rejection from merchants and guards—uses both song and animation to express the cruelty of indifference and the resilience of kindness. The final revelation, when the boy sells Small One to a kind man who needs a donkey for a journey to Bethlehem, connects the story to the Nativity, giving it a powerful spiritual resonance. The realization that Small One will carry Mary and the unborn Christ brings the narrative full circle, turning a moment of loss into one of lasting purpose.
The Small One holds a special place in Disney history. It represents a bridge between the studio’s classic storytelling tradition and the more character-driven, emotionally nuanced animation that would flourish in later decades. Though not as widely known as Disney’s major features, it remains a beloved short among animation enthusiasts for its sincerity, artistry, and moral depth. The film’s themes of love, sacrifice, and faith—expressed through a simple friendship between a boy and his donkey—demonstrate the timeless power of Disney animation to move audiences through both sadness and hope.
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