Dumbo

Dumbo

Year: 1941

Runtime: 64 min

Language: English

Directors: Ben Sharpsteen, Bill Roberts, Jack Kinney, John Elliotte, Norman Ferguson, Samuel Armstrong, Wilfred Jackson

DramaAnimationFamilyMusical

In a dusty circus on the brink of collapse, a peculiar baby elephant named Dumbo stirs up wonder with its extraordinary oversized ears. As the Medici family tends to this curious creature, they uncover a remarkable secret: Dumbo can defy gravity and take to the skies. The big-top phenomenon soon attracts a massive following, but also catches the eye of a ruthless entrepreneur seeking to capitalize on its magic.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Dumbo yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Dumbo (1941)
Trace every key event in Dumbo (1941) 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

The Arrival of Jumbo Junior

At the Winter Grounds in Florida, a stork delivers a baby elephant, named Jumbo Junior, to Mrs. Jumbo, who had been anxiously waiting. This moment is filled with hope and excitement as the circus prepares for its new tour.

Florida
2

Introduction of Dumbo

As the circus train sets off, the other elephants, initially joyful about Dumbo's arrival, soon ridicule him due to his oversized ears. They dub him 'Dumbo', highlighting the beginning of his struggles with identity and acceptance.

Circus Train
3

Mrs. Jumbo's Protection

Despite the ridicule from the other elephants, Mrs. Jumbo fiercely loves and protects Dumbo. Her maternal instincts are evident as she chastises the bullies, showcasing the first signs of a protective bond between mother and son.

Circus Tent
4

Dumbo's Struggles

Upon reaching a new destination, Dumbo struggles to cope with his large ears, causing him to stumble and make mistakes. As a result, he is treated as a sideshow novelty rather than a beloved circus member.

Circus Grounds
5

Mrs. Jumbo's Imprisonment

After Mrs. Jumbo defends Dumbo from taunting boys, she is unjustly confined by the ringmaster for her protective actions. This event marks a turning point, intensifying Dumbo's isolation and sorrow as he faces the world alone.

Circus Tent
6

Timothy the Mouse Enters

A friendly mouse named Timothy befriends Dumbo and becomes determined to help him succeed. This companionship offers Dumbo hope and a newfound sense of purpose amidst the continuous taunting he faces.

7

The Elephant Pyramid Stunt

Timothy persuades the ringmaster to let Dumbo participate in an elephant pyramid stunt. However, Dumbo’s performance takes a disastrous turn, leading to him being blamed and further humiliation as he loses his place in the act.

Circus Big Top
8

Clowning Act

Following his exile from the elephant act, Dumbo is forced to partake in a clown act, jumping from a burning building into a vat of pie filling. Despite gaining fame, he feels miserable as he is forced into comedic roles rather than celebrated for who he is.

Circus Stage
9

The Intoxication Incident

In a comical turn of events, Dumbo and Timothy accidentally get intoxicated from champagne and experience a wild hallucination featuring pink elephants. This surreal moment symbolizes the overwhelming challenges and emotions Dumbo faces.

10

Meeting the Crows

Dumbo and Timothy encounter a group of crows, who are initially skeptical of Timothy's claims about Dumbo's ability to fly. However, after hearing Dumbo’s touching story, the crows present him with a 'magic feather' to aid in his flight.

11

Dumbo Takes Flight

With the magic feather in hand, Dumbo successfully learns to fly, astonishing everyone at the circus. This moment represents the culmination of Dumbo's journey towards self-acceptance and newfound abilities.

Circus Big Top
12

The Climactic Performance

During a high-stakes act, Dumbo jumps from a platform but loses the feather mid-air. Nevertheless, Timothy reassures him that the feather was just a mental crutch, empowering Dumbo to soar, captivating the audience.

Circus Big Top
13

Dumbo's Rise to Fame

After his successful performance, Dumbo earns widespread acclaim, leading to a Hollywood contract and a complete turnaround in his fortunes. This new fame allows Dumbo to emerge from the shadows into the spotlight.

14

Mrs. Jumbo's Release

With Dumbo's newfound success, Mrs. Jumbo is finally released from confinement. The joyous reunion signifies hope and transformation for both Dumbo and his mother.

Circus Grounds
15

New Beginnings

As Dumbo and Mrs. Jumbo board a private train car, they bid farewell to their circus friends. This moment symbolizes a fresh start and the promise of new adventures together, away from the cruelty of their past.

Circus Train

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 15:49

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