The Reluctant Dragon

Humorist Robert Benchley visits the Disney studios to propose an animated adaptation of a story about a gentle dragon. Unlike other ferocious creatures of its kind, this dragon prefers reciting poetry and singing. While waiting for a meeting with Walt Disney, Benchley is taken on a tour of the various departments, where he learns how animated films are created.

Produced by Walt Disney, the film was co-directed by Alfred L. Werker and Hamilton Luske. For Luske, this was the fourth of 15 films he directed, following Pinocchio and preceding Saludos Amigos. Werker previously directed The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. The cast features Robert Benchley playing himself, alongside Frances Gifford, Buddy Pepper, and Nana Bryant, with voice work by Claud Allister and Barnett Parker. The screenplay was written by Ted Sears, Larry Clemmons, and William Cottrell.

The film is a blend of animation, comedy, family, and fantasy genres. It has received generally positive feedback from audiences, maintaining a rating of 6.8/10 on IMDb based on 218 votes and a 6.6/10 on TMDB from 170 votes.