The Small One

The Small One

Year: 1978

Runtime: 26 mins

Language: English

Director: Don Bluth

AnimationFamily

When his father orders him to sell the old mule Small One, a Hebrew boy travels from his village in the ancient Holy Land to the Jerusalem market. After finding no buyers, he meets a kind man named Joseph, who purchases the donkey and uses it to carry his pregnant wife Mary to Bethlehem.

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Timeline & Setting – The Small One (1978)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Small One (1978). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1st century AD

The story is set during the 1st century AD, a period marked by Roman occupation and cultural transition in Judea. This era is notable for its historical and religious context, including the early years of Christianity and Roman influence on local society.

Location

Galilean countryside, Nazareth, Herodian kingdom

The movie takes place in the Galilean countryside near Nazareth within the Herodian kingdom. This region is characterized by its rural landscapes, small villages, and historical significance as part of ancient Judea. It reflects a simple, pastoral life grounded in tradition and faith.

🌾 Rural 🏞️ Historical 🕊️ Ancient

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:58

Main Characters – The Small One (1978)

Meet the key characters of The Small One (1978), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Boy (voiced by Sean Marshall)

A young, caring boy who demonstrates loyalty and kindness. He ethically tries to save Small One from being sold and shows emotional depth and compassion throughout his journey. His innocence and hope drive the story’s moral message.

👦 Child 💖 Compassionate 🌟 Hopeful

Auctioneer (voiced by Hal Smith)

A skeptical and dismissive figure who initially ridicules Small One. His character embodies societal indifference, but his interaction with Small One reveals a humorous side as he gets unexpectedly kicked off the stage.

🎩 Seller 😄 Comedic 🛑 Disbelieving

Man seeking a donkey (voiced by Gordon Jump)

A compassionate traveler seeking a gentle donkey to carry his wife to Bethlehem. He represents kindness and faith, offering a new home for Small One and showing genuine care for others.

🧑 Kind-hearted 🤝 Caring ✨ Faithful

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:58

Major Themes – The Small One (1978)

Explore the central themes of The Small One (1978), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🧡 Compassion

The movie emphasizes the importance of kindness and empathy, demonstrated through characters like the boy and the man who shows compassion to Small One. Acts of compassion contrast with societal neglect, highlighting the value of caring for others, especially the vulnerable.

🌟 Hope

A bright star symbolizes hope and guidance, leading characters toward better futures. The star’s appearance signifies divine intervention and faith, reinforcing themes of trust and optimistic perseverance in difficult circumstances.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:58

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The Small One Summary

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The Small One Summary

The Small One Timeline

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The Small One Timeline

The Small One Spoiler-Free Summary

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The Small One Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Small One

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The Small One (1978) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

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The Small One (1978) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow