Sean is a little duck with a big problem. Due to a mishap with a jet aircraft Sean misses the annual migration South and has to face the winter alone. However, he is befriended by a water vo... Read allSean is a little duck with a big problem. Due to a mishap with a jet aircraft Sean misses the annual migration South and has to face the winter alone. However, he is befriended by a water vole, and with Vole's help, Sean learns the lessons of survival, and most importantly, the v... Read allSean is a little duck with a big problem. Due to a mishap with a jet aircraft Sean misses the annual migration South and has to face the winter alone. However, he is befriended by a water vole, and with Vole's help, Sean learns the lessons of survival, and most importantly, the value of friendship.
- Director
- Writers
- Stars
- Won 1 BAFTA Award
- 3 wins & 1 nomination total
- Sean
- (voice)
- Voley
- (voice)
- Puffin
- (voice)
- Mother
- (voice)
- Father
- (voice)
- Mother Duck
- (voice)
- Sean McDuck
- (voice)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
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Featured reviews
So the film continues on to be a very adorable Irish film, only twenty minutes (yet it seems a wee bit longer). "The First Snow Of Winter" is a story of friendship, survival, danger and sadness, with just a hint of message of regret. You are bound to love this, whether an unhappy businessman, or a happy little wee child or bairn (Guess Scottish and Irish has seeped into this review, eh?).
So admire the luck of the Irish, the animals and the love in this film and you are not likely to be disappointed! Enjoy "The First Snow Of Winter".
I have been watching this cartoon at Christmas pretty much every year since it was first shown on TV and I have to say how shocked I am that it has never re-appeared on terrestrial television in those 24 years. Thank God for DVDs.
It was the cutest story, with some laugh out loud, pee your pants moments and perfect for adults and children alike.
I believe this was the last project that 'Father Ted's' (1995-8), Dermot Morgan took part in and he was great as Voley. It was such a shame to lose him so young and I think a lot of people probably miss his wicked sense of humour, which was delivered so well in this cartoon short. I always look forward to seeing him get lost with Dougal (Ardal O'Hanlon) in Ireland's largest lingerie section before the festive season is over (Father Ted Christmas Special 1996 - A Christmassy Ted - Series 2/Episode 11), although that's not really relevant for a review of what was essentially a children's cartoon.
The rest of the cast all did a fantastic job too and the animation was akin to that of 'The Snowman' (1982), Etc, back in the good old days when people used to draw things with actual pencils and paper.
If you've never seen this cute little tale, or even if you have, I suggest you watch it and find the fun for yourselves.
It was superbly funny and sweet with hints of darkness and some sadness, but in a way that always leaves me feeling heart warmed.
901.38/1000.
Did you know
- TriviaThis short is dedicated to the memory of Dermot Morgan.
- GoofsMallard ducks do not migrate from Ireland in the winter. Native Irish Mallards overwinter and their population is increased by migrating ducks from Iceland. Sean and his family would be quite comfortable spending the winter in Ireland.
- Alternate versionsThe original broadcast version was edited down to 26 minutes. No official release of the broadcast version was ever made, so the video and DVD versions are the original uncut version of the film. Among the scenes cut or altered are:
- The first appearance of Sean's family. Sean's father lazes around and blows his whistle while Sean's mother worries about him.
- Voley makes a contraption for Sean which is supposed to help him fly. It does not work and he falls.
- This version plays a sung version of the theme over the end credits. The original film plays the scored version. The sung version is not segued smoothly into the film, making this an obvious edit.
- ConnectionsReferences Riverdance: The Show (1995)