User blog:ARTaylor/75 Years of The Three Caballeros

Today is the seventy-fifth anniversary of the premiere of The Three Caballeros. The film is the seventh from Walt Disney Animation Studios. The story is a series of shorts featuring adventures in Latin America.

The film, along with Saludos Amigos from two years before, was part of a good will message to Latin America on behalf of Walt Disney. It was Disney's first film to combine traditional animation and live-action segments. The live segments featured many of Latin America's most popular celebrities.

Upon it's initial release, the film received mixed reviews from critics who were disappointed by it compared to Disney's earlier features. The film was a moderate success at the American box office, though it did very well in Mexico. It was nominated for two Academy Awards for Best Musical Score and Best Sound Recording. Appreciation for the film has grown and it is now considered a moderate classic. The film was the basis for a ride at Disney's Epcot and were included in Disneyland's It's a Small World. The characters of Jose Carioca and Panchito Pistoles have appeared in video games and television series.