Story Structure — 5 Plot Phases
A Gala Meets Resistance
The orphan gala begins with a poem performance. A child's buzzer interrupts the recitation and drives the performer from the stage.
Key Events
-
Orphans' Gala Begins — A gala performance is organized for orphaned children.
Location: Gala stage
-
First Poem Recitation — A performer recites the first of two poems for the children.
Location: Gala stage
-
The Buzzer Interrupts — A child makes a negative buzzer sound during the poem's first question.
Location: Gala stage
Dance Turns Chaotic
The children enjoy themselves as a dance number begins. A failed catch causes a dancer to lose her costume, increasing the comic disorder.
Key Events
-
Poem Performance Ends — The irritated performer is driven away from the stage.
Location: Gala stage
-
Children Laugh Wildly — The children laugh and enjoy the disorderly entertainment.
Location: Gala stage
-
Dance Number Starts — A dance number begins with three performers on stage.
Location: Gala stage
-
Costume Mishap — A poor catch causes one dancer to lose her costume.
Location: Gala stage
The Buzzer Returns
The earlier performer returns with a trumpet and imitates the children's buzzer. The children answer with ice cream and boxing gloves, forcing another exit.
Key Events
-
Costume Mishap — A poor catch causes one dancer to lose her costume.
Location: Gala stage
-
Trumpet Imitates Buzzer — The earlier performer returns and imitates the children's buzzer with a trumpet.
Location: Gala stage
-
Ice Cream and Boxing Attack — An orphan throws ice cream, then strikes the returning performer with boxing gloves.
Location: Gala stage
Opera Under Fire
Clara Cluck performs an opera number while piano accompaniment falters. A slingshot attack makes her scream and abruptly conclude the song.
Key Events
-
Opera Number Begins — Clara Cluck begins an opera song while piano accompaniment starts. Characters: Clara Cluck
Location: Gala stage
-
Piano Accompaniment Falters — The pianist tangles his fingers while accompanying Clara Cluck. Characters: Clara Cluck
Location: Gala stage
-
Slingshot Disrupts Opera — An orphan aims a slingshot at Clara Cluck, making her scream and end the song. Characters: Clara Cluck
Location: Gala stage
-
Opera Performers Bow — Clara Cluck and the accompanist bow while the children applaud. Characters: Clara Cluck
Location: Gala stage
The Gala Collapses
A performer receives no applause and begins another tale. The children answer with airborne bricks and eggs before the curtain falls.
Key Events
-
Applause Is Refused — A returning performer asks for applause, but the children respond with indifference.
Location: Gala stage
-
Final Projectile Barrage — The children launch bricks and eggs from exploding balloons using a slingshot.
Location: Gala stage
-
Curtain Falls — The curtain falls after the final chaotic attack.
Location: Gala stage
Mickey and friends put on a revue for the orphans. Donald recites nursery rhymes, but the orphans torment him. Horace, Goofy, and Clarabelle do a dance number. Donald tries again. Clara clucks a song while Mickey plays piano (with support from an unseen orchestra). Donald returns, and the orphans finally send a parade of bricks and eggs on balloons over him and use slingshots to drop them on his head.