Originally, this was envisioned as a segment in "Saludos Amigos". For some reason, it wasn't included--most likely because unlike the feature film, "The Pelican and the Snipe" isn't awful (I have long thought "Saludos Amigos" to be among the worst productions of Disney Studios during this era). Now I am NOT saying "The Pelican and the Snipe" is a particularly outstanding short--but it is a decent one.
The film begins at a lighthouse off the coast of Montevideo, Uruguay. Most likely this location was chosen due to the concept of "Saludos Amigos"--a celebration of our South American neighbors. It concerns two birds who are friends--Monte the pelican and Vidi the snipe. Every night, Vidi wears himself out caring for his friend, as Monte flies in his sleep--and would kill himself if it weren't for Vidi's actions. However, Monte doesn't know about his friend's sacrifices and when a misunderstanding occurs, Monte foolishly tells his friend to get lost! Can the two somehow patch things up and become friends once again? And, more importantly, will the audience care? I know I struggled with this, though the narration by Sterling Holloway (the voice of Winnie the Pooh) did help make this passable entertainment.
The film begins at a lighthouse off the coast of Montevideo, Uruguay. Most likely this location was chosen due to the concept of "Saludos Amigos"--a celebration of our South American neighbors. It concerns two birds who are friends--Monte the pelican and Vidi the snipe. Every night, Vidi wears himself out caring for his friend, as Monte flies in his sleep--and would kill himself if it weren't for Vidi's actions. However, Monte doesn't know about his friend's sacrifices and when a misunderstanding occurs, Monte foolishly tells his friend to get lost! Can the two somehow patch things up and become friends once again? And, more importantly, will the audience care? I know I struggled with this, though the narration by Sterling Holloway (the voice of Winnie the Pooh) did help make this passable entertainment.