This Silly Symphony cartoon follows a mother duck as she tends to her brood of ducklings. When a peculiar-looking duckling hatches, it is met with disdain by its siblings and even its mother, who believes it to be a different species. The ostracized duckling wanders off alone, facing further rejection, until it encounters other animals who are also different. However, through a turn of events, the lonely duckling discovers its true identity and finds acceptance.

As a Disney Silly Symphony short, 'The Ugly Duckling' was generally well-received for its animation quality and heartwarming story, which adapted a classic fable. It was considered a charming addition to Disney's output during this era, often praised for its emotional resonance and clear narrative.

• Praised for its faithful adaptation of the classic Hans Christian Andersen tale.
• Commended for its charming animation and emotional storytelling.
• Seen as a heartwarming and gentle film suitable for all ages.

Google audience: Audience reception is generally positive, with viewers often citing the story's timeless message of acceptance and self-discovery as its main strength. Many appreciate its classic Disney animation style.

Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film (though it was an animated short, this was an unusual nomination category it was considered for).

Although the film ends with the ugly duckling transforming into a swan, the character who hatched from the egg is implied to be a duckling, not a swan, who is simply ugly and different, aligning more closely with the original Andersen tale's moral about judging others based on appearance.