The Ugly Duckling is an animated film by Walt Disney based on the fairy tale "The Ugly Duckling" by Hans Christian Andersen. Walt Disney actually produced two Silly Symphonies animated shorts based on the fairy tale, one in 1931 in black and white, and one in 1939 in Technicolor. The 1939 color film won the 1939 Academy Award for Best Short Subject (Cartoons). In this version, the baby swan's sufferings are shortened, as he is found by his family, after only a few minutes of rejection and ostracism, instead of a whole year. This abbreviated version is read by Lilo to Stitch in the 2002 Disney film Lilo & Stitch. The story has a deep impact on Stitch, who sets out to look for his real family.
The Ugly Duckling was Disney's last Silly Symphony.
