The animals on Oswald the Rabbit's farm couldn't be happier with their work. The hens, in particular, enjoy their jobs as egg producers. True, a hen gets a bit anxious when her egg is too small or when she can't lay anything. But on the whole, times are good. That changes when a specter by the name of Depression rises from the dump and travels the globe spreading fear and panic. The Great Depression has begun and has poisoned the entire country, including Oswald's farm. Now, the roosters are listless and the chickens flop around in a daze. Oswald runs to the doctor for help. But Dr. Pill points to a poster of the President, Franklin Delano Roosevelt. "There's your doctor!" he declares. Soon, Oswald is in the White House, knocking down the Vice President in his haste to see FDR. Roosevelt sings "Confidence" and gives the rabbit a generous supply.
Direction
Nolan turns economic collapse into a literal ghost monster.
Production
White House visit with presidential song-and-dance number.
Director
William Nolan
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This was produced by Walter Lantz, who'd later create Woody Woodpecker. FDR's 'Confidence' song references his famous 1933 inaugural 'fear itself' speech.
The 'Dr. Pill' character wasn't subtle—pharmaceutical solutions to economic collapse were being pitched nationwide. Oswald gets literal pills labeled 'Confidence' from FDR himself.
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