The Little Orphan 1949
In this classic short from 1949, animation legends William Hanna and his iconic co-creator present *The Little Orphan*, a delightful Thanksgiving-themed comedy that pits Jerry Mouse against a tiny, insatiable houseguest.
Director: William Hanna
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Little Orphan (1949) about?
*The Little Orphan* follows Jerry Mouse as he hosts an unexpected Thanksgiving guest: Nibbles, a tiny orphan mouse with an endless appetite. What starts as a simple holiday visit quickly spirals into a series of hilarious, high-energy confrontations over Jerry's dwindling food supply. The short film captures the spirit of holiday mischief without ever losing its playful charm.
Who directed The Little Orphan?
The Little Orphan was directed by William Hanna, one half of the legendary Hanna-Barbera animation duo renowned for creating some of the most iconic cartoons of all time.
Who stars in The Little Orphan?
The short features Jerry Mouse and Nibbles, the pint-sized orphan sent to stay with him for Thanksgiving, along with the unseen but ever-present house cat Tom (uncredited).
Is The Little Orphan (1949) worth watching?
Though unrated on IMDb, *The Little Orphan* remains a beloved classic among animation fans for its crisp animation, clever gags, and holiday spirit. Its brief runtime and universal themes of hunger and hospitality make it a fun five-minute escape, especially during Thanksgiving season.
How long is The Little Orphan?
The Little Orphan runs for 8 minutes, delivering a quick yet memorable burst of classic cartoon fun.
About The Little Orphan (1949) — A Classic Hanna Cartoon for Thanksgiving Fun
In this classic short from 1949, animation legends William Hanna and his iconic co-creator present *The Little Orphan*, a delightful Thanksgiving-themed comedy that pits Jerry Mouse against a tiny, insatiable houseguest. The story kicks off as Bide A Wee Mouse Home sends its littlest orphan, Nibbles, to spend the holiday with Jerry—a choice that immediately sets chaos in motion. With Jerry's pantry as the flashpoint, every attempt to satisfy Nibbles' bottomless hunger turns into a slapstick showdown, blending rapid-fire gags with the warm spirit of holiday hospitality.
The film sparkles with Hanna's signature pacing and visual wit, offering a snapshot of mid-century animation at its most inventive. Underneath the surface humor lies a charming exploration of unexpected friendship and the universal struggle against gluttony, all wrapped up in a brisk, eight-minute runtime. Whether you're a lifelong Hanna-Barbera fan or a newcomer to golden-age cartoons, *The Little Orphan (1949)* delivers a brisk dose of nostalgia and laughter perfect for holiday movie marathons.