Contrary Condor

Contrary Condor

Year: 1944

Runtime: 8 mins

Language: English

Director: Jack King

Animation

Donald attempts to steal a condor egg, but the bird returns and he squeezes into an empty shell for safety. When the warm mother discovers him, he quickly regrets his choice, especially after she “hatches” him and urges him to fly. Her over‑protective care quickly becomes more than Donald bargained for.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Contrary Condor (1944)

Trace every key event in Contrary Condor (1944) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Opening map and the journey begins

The movie opens with a map showing Donald's footprints crossing from North America toward South America, tracing a path through the Andes. The sequence sets up Donald's restless ambition and his willingness to go to extreme places to achieve his goals.

Opening montage Andes Mountains
2

Climbing the Andes with plungers

Donald climbs a near-vertical section of the mountain with plungers strapped to his feet, yodeling as he ascends. The quirky ascent highlights his fearless, over-the-top approach to getting what he wants.

Early ascent Andes Mountains
3

Reaching the condor nest and the attempted egg theft

He spots the condor nest and aims to take an egg. One hatchling has already hatched and squawks at Donald's arrival, but Donald shoves the hatchling back into its egg shell. He grabs an egg, hoping for a prize, while the other birds scramble in alarm.

Initial nest encounter Condor nest, Andes
4

Hiding from Mother Condor

Donald spots Mother Condor overhead and hides in the other hatchling's shell. The mother lands and decides to sit on the egg in which Donald is hiding. The warmth she provides is almost too much for Donald, and he sweats profusely.

Moment of concealment Nest canopy
5

A daring ruse pays off

The egg cracks, and Donald is nearly crushed by the shell. Thinking quickly, Donald pretends to be a condor, and the mother is convinced, giving him a hug despite the surrounding hatchlings' astonishment.

Crisis and acceptance Nest
6

Flight practice leads to a stormy setback

Mother Condor sends her hatchlings off to learn to fly. The jealous hatchling pushes Donald off the branch, but he clings to a nearby branch as his clothes snag. A passing storm cloud sweeps over, drenching him and complicating his ascent.

Daytime Tree branches over the nest
7

Back at the nest: dizzying attempts to fly

Back at the nest, Mother Condor continues to tutor Donald, but he looks down and gets dizzy. He tries to slip away, but the hatchling spots him and pulls him back to the branch.

Daytime Nest branch
8

bum wing claim and jealousy grows

Seizing a moment, Donald convinces Mother Condor that he has a bum wing, and she cradles him to rest. The jealous hatchling resents the extra attention and begins squawking for his own share of praise.

Shortly after rescue Nest
9

The hatchling's blow: Donald is sent airborne

The jealous hatchling, fed up with Donald's presence, shoves him and sends him flying into the air. He lands on a nearby branch, clinging on as best as he can.

Daytime Branch near the nest
10

Decoy plan and a sorrowful river

To extricate himself, Donald rigs a decoy made of branches and leaves and hurls it toward the river. The mother Condor, believing her hatchling has fallen, rushes to save it and sobs on the riverbank when the decoy plummets away.

Daytime River and riverbank
11

Egg theft, pursuit, and a perilous fall

Taking advantage of the distraction, Donald grabs the other condor egg, but the hatchling snatches it away again. He retrieves the egg, but loses his footing and falls into the river while clutching it.

Continuing River
12

Rescue, reunion, and a crowded nest at night

Relieved to see him still alive, Mother Condor gathers Donald and the egg into her arms and coddles them at the nest. That night, the unlikely trio—Donald, the egg, and the hatchling—are tucked together, while Donald mutters angrily under his breath.

Night Condor nest

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:10

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Contrary Condor Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Contrary Condor

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Contrary Condor

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