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). But the original "The Ugly Duckling" (Danish: Den grimme ælling) is a literary fairy tale by Danish poet and author Hans Christian Andersen (1805–1875). The story tells of a homely little bird born in a barnyard who suffers abuse from the others around him until, much to his delight (and to the surprise of others), he matures into a beautiful swan, the most beautiful bird of all. The story is beloved around the world as a tale about personal transformation for the better.[1] “The Ugly Duckling” was first published 11 November 1843, with three other tales by Andersen in Copenhagen, Denmark to great critical acclaim. The tale has been adapted to various media including opera, musical, and animated film. The tale is completely Andersen's invention and owes no debt to fairy tales or folklore.
