The Reluctant Dragon
“The big feature show with a thousand surprises!”
Synopsis
Humorist Robert Benchley attempts to find Walt Disney to ask him to adapt a short story about a gentle dragon who would rather recite poetry than be ferocious. Along the way, he is given a tour of Walt Disney Studios, and learns about the animation process.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Forgotten Disney Classic Movie - Reluctant Dragon Original Trailer
Type: Clip • Published 2022-01-06
Top Cast
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Robert Benchley
Robert Benchley
Frances Gifford
Doris
Buddy Pepper
Humphrey
Nana Bryant
Mrs. Benchley
Claud Allister
Sir Giles (segment "The Reluctant Dragon") (voice)
Barnett Parker
Dragon (segment "The Reluctant Dragon") (voice)
Billy Lee
Boy (segment "The Reluctant Dragon") (voice)
Florence Gill
Clara Cluck (voice) / Florence Gill
Clarence Nash
Donald Duck (voice) / Clarence Nash
Norman Ferguson
Norman Ferguson
Ward Kimball
Ward Kimball
Jimmy Luske
Baby Weems Model
Alan Ladd
Baby Weems Storyboard Artist
Truman Woodworth
Truman Woodworth
Hamilton MacFadden
Hamilton MacFadden
Maurice Murphy
Baby Weems Storyboard Artist
John Dehner
Baby Weems Storyboard Artist (uncredited)
Walt Disney
Walt Disney (uncredited)
Release History & Theatrical Window
June 20, 1941
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Financials & Box Office Performance
Production Budget
$600
Filming & production cost
Worldwide Gross
Pending
Total global ticket sales
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Alfred L. Werker, Hamilton Luske
- Screenplay & Story
- Larry Clemmons, Al Perkins, William Cottrell, Ted Sears, Harry Clork
- Original Score
- Frank Churchill, Larry Morey
- Original Title
- The Reluctant Dragon
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 14m
- Production Budget
- $600
- Production Studios
- Walt Disney Productions
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Alfred L. Werker, Hamilton Luske
Larry Clemmons, Al Perkins, William Cottrell, Ted Sears, Harry Clork, Kenneth Grahame
Frank Churchill, Larry Morey
Winton C. Hoch, Bert Glennon
Paul Weatherwax
Walt Disney
Department Leadership Roster
Alfred L. Werker
Director
Larry Clemmons
Screenplay
Al Perkins
Screenplay
William Cottrell
Screenplay
Ted Sears
Screenplay
Hamilton Luske
Director
Harry Clork
Screenplay
Walt Disney
Producer
Frank Churchill
Original Music Composer
Larry Morey
Original Music Composer
Winton C. Hoch
Director of Photography
Bert Glennon
Director of Photography
Paul Weatherwax
Editor
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
G: General Audiences — All ages admitted. Nothing offensive for children.
International Certification Matrix
Tous publics — Universal audience.
Universal — Suitable for all audiences.
General Audiences — All ages admitted. Nothing offensive for children.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Reluctant Dragon.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring The Reluctant Dragon.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Reluctant Dragon
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Reluctant Dragon about?
Humorist Robert Benchley attempts to find Walt Disney to ask him to adapt a short story about a gentle dragon who would rather recite poetry than be ferocious. Along the way, he is given a tour of Walt Disney Studios, and learns about the animation process.
Who directed The Reluctant Dragon?
The Reluctant Dragon was directed by Alfred L. Werker, Hamilton Luske.
Who stars in The Reluctant Dragon?
The principal cast of The Reluctant Dragon includes Robert Benchley, Frances Gifford, Buddy Pepper, Nana Bryant, Claud Allister.
When was The Reluctant Dragon released and how long is it?
The Reluctant Dragon was released in 1941 with a total runtime of 1h 14m.
Who composed the musical score for The Reluctant Dragon?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Reluctant Dragon was composed by Frank Churchill, Larry Morey.
What is the age rating and content advisory for The Reluctant Dragon?
The Reluctant Dragon holds official age classifications: FR: U (Tous publics — Universal audience.); GB: U (Universal — Suitable for all audiences.); US: G (General Audiences — All ages admitted. Nothing offensive for children.).