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Page 38 The Antique Shoppe April, 2017
Baby Weems

Emerged From The Reluctant Dragon as a Star

By Larry LeMasters
LeMasters’ Antique News Service

Baby Weems is a character who appeared in the 1941 Walt Disney animated
movie The Reluctant Dragon.
Weems is a cute pre-toddler baby who is highly intelligent. He is something of
a baby Einstein but with baths, diaper changes, feedings, etc. Baby Weems’ claim
to fame is his intelligence, which he loses somehow by the end of the movie,
becoming just another normal poop-filled baby.
Baby Weems was born talking, literally. When his nurse comments on
how quiet he is, he answers her in perfect English. Towards the end of the
movie,
“Baby Weems” figurine (from Baby Weems is invited to speak at the White House, but he becomes ill.
The Reluctant Dragon, 1941) When he recovers, he has lost his gift of speech and his intelligence. His parents
made by Vernon Kilns. This take him home, and they all live happily ever after.
figurine is valued at $325. Baby Weems appears in just one segment of the movie. It is based on the

Technicolor cartoon Baby Weems. The
Child’s “Baby Weems” plastic other three segments are Casey Junior Above-Baby Weems meets Albert
utensil set, circa 1941 on from Dumbo, Goofy’s How to Ride a Einstein figurine. This figurine
original packaging card: $45. Horse, and an extended-length short
cartoon called The Reluctant Dragon was used as a scale model,
from which the title of the movie takes its maquette, at Disney Studios and
name. was never placed into production.
Both audiences and critics disliked
The Reluctant Dragon movie. Audiences Original movie poster for The
expected it to be an animated feature such Reluctant Dragon, 1941, showing
as Snow White or Pinocchio, but it was Baby Weems with the dragon.
essentially a long advertise-ment showing This poster is considered rare
the animation skills of Disney Studios. and is valued at $325.
The Reluctant Dragon actually lost
money at the box office, making it one of
Disney’s failures, which is rare. BUY SELL TRADE STUART
From this failure, though, emerged a
star—Baby Weems. Almost immediately, Palm Antique Mall
Baby Weems collectibles were offered. 2591 SE Ocean Blvd.
Today, collectors search secondary Stuart, FL 34996
oldteaks@bellsouth.net
markets, hoping to find a Baby Weems 772-463-5090 • 772-240-0894
figurine or other collectible, which may, ALWAYS BUYING 991 Ocean Blvd Monterey Rd
if it is a Vernon Kilns figurine, cost up to Palm Bch Rd
$325 or more.
A child’s “Baby Weems’ plastic utensil set, with fork, knife and spoon,
circa 1941, sells for $45. 714 SE Federal Hwy
An original movie poster for The Reluctant Dragon, 1941, showing 713
Baby Weems with the dragon is considered rare and is valued at $325. But
novice collectors need to beware. Walmart, online, advertises an 11 x 17 I95
inches reproduction movie poster of The Reluctant Dragon for $20. Don’t be 76
fooled by fakes.

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