The Unicorn in the Garden (film)

The Unicorn in the Garden (film) is a 1953 animated short film directed by William T. Hurtz for UPA (United Productions of America). It is based on the short story of the same name by James Thurber, published in his 1940 book Fables for Our Time and Famous Poems Illustrated.

The film follows the story of a man who encounters a unicorn in his garden. He excitedly tells his wife, but she dismisses his sighting and accuses him of being a booby. When she reports the man's alleged madness to a psychiatrist and the police, they similarly dismiss her claims and, convinced she is the insane one, have her taken away to a mental institution. The film ends with the man living happily in peace, having successfully convinced everyone that his wife was delusional.

The short is known for its stylized animation, typical of UPA's distinctive aesthetic which broke away from the more realistic styles of Disney. It features a minimalist design, flat backgrounds, and abstract character representations. The film is characterized by its dark humor and satirical commentary on marriage, sanity, and social perceptions. It explores themes of gaslighting, credibility, and the power of individual perception versus societal norms. The short has been praised for its clever adaptation of Thurber's story and its impactful visual storytelling.