Jan's "Mickey Mouse" Page

"I only hope that we never lose sight of one thing......

            It all started with a mouse..." 

                                                -Walt Disney

 

In his early days of animation, Walt Disney had created, a character called Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. Working with Ub Iwerks, he had sold the series of cartoons to Universal Studios for distribution. When Disney requested a larger budget for his popular Oswald series, Universal quickly fired him and hired other artists and writers to work on the show. A show to which Universal owned all the rights. Disney learned an important lesson from this incident and made sure that, in the future, he owned the rights to all of his creations.

In 1928, a sad and disheartened Walt Disney was returning to California from New York by train. Having just learned that he had lost the rights to his most popular cartoon character to his distributor, Walt came up with a new character design and Mickey Mouse was born. 

Mickey's first appearance was in the short film "Plane Crazy" on May 15, 1928. Although audiences greeted  Mickey's first adventure with a luke-warm response, Walt Disney was determined to make a star out of Mickey Mouse. He pressed on and soon scored a big hit on November 18, 1928, with "Steamboat Willie" in which Mickey serves aboard a steamboat under Captain Pete.

Considered to be Walt's alter ego, Mickey starred in 135 movies between 1928 and 1990. Today, Mickey Mouse is one of the most recognized cartoon characters and corporate symbols in the world.
My first experience with Mickey Mouse began as child growing up in Southern California near the "Happiest Place on Earth", but my serious love of  Mickey began at the age of 14 with my first Mickey Mouse watch. Over thirty years and thousands of collectables later, Mickey Mouse remains my cartoon favorite of all time.

To see my family's genealogical connection to Walt Disney, click here.

To see a small portion of my Mickey Mouse Collection, click here.

 


 Misc. Mickey Mouse Facts:

"Plane Crazy" was Mickey Mouse's 1st cartoon appearance on May 15, 1928. It was silent cartoon.

Mickey Mouse first appeared in his signature white gloves on March 28, 1929, in "The Opry House," a musical short in which he performs a series of vaudeville acts such as snake charming and belly dancing.

The first SOUND Mickey Mouse cartoon was "Steamboat Willie" released on September 19, 1928. It premiered at the Colony Theatre in New York City on November 18, 1928. Mickey would express himself vocally by whistling, laughing, crying, etc... but he never actually spoke.

Mickey Mouse was the FIRST talking cartoon character. [His original voice was Walt Disney.] On May 23, 1929, Mickey Mouse spoke his first words -- "Hot dogs!" -- in the short "The Karnival Kid," a short which featured Mickey selling hot dogs at a carnival.

The first merchandise item featuring Mickey Mouse was a children's writing tablet in 1929.

Mickey Mouse made his first comic strip appearance in the New York Mirror on January 13, 1930. The first few strips -- loosely based on "Plane Crazy," Mickey's first short film -- were drawn by Ub Iwerks and written by Walt Disney himself.

Mickey Mouse's sister is Amelia Fieldmouse. She has two children (Mickey's nephews), Morty and Ferdie Fieldmouse.

Mickey Mouse was the first non-human to win an Oscar in 1932 [for his creation by Walt].

In the 1933 cartoon short, "Mickey's Mellerdrammer" the following quotes appear...

                Horace: [as Simon Legree] Bow down to your master! I own your body and soul!
                Mickey Mouse: [
as Uncle Tom] You may own this body, but my soul belongs to the Lord!

In 1934, the Encyclopedia Britannica gave Mickey Mouse his own encyclopedia entry.

In 1935, the League of Nations awarded him a medal for being an ambassador of good will.

In 1935 Mickey was honored by the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade with a fifty-five foot high Mickey Mouse.

The phrase "Mickey Mouse" became common slang for "being too easy" or "being cheap and tacky."

Walt Disney was afraid of mice.

In 1939, Mickey's body shape is redesigned.  The cartoon short, "The Pointer" saw a bold, new design for Mickey as his body became more pear-shaped and pupils were added to his eyes to increase his range of expression. The pie eyed Mickey is no more.

The code word used during World War II by the Allied forces on D-Day, June 6, 1944, was "Mickey Mouse."

The Mickey Mouse Club debuted on ABC TV on October 3, 1955.

In 1978, in honor of his 50th anniversary, Mickey Mouse was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6925 Hollywood Blvd. He is between the stars of Elton John and Jack Nicholson.

My Favorite Walt Disney quote: "There has to be a wienie at the end of every street."

Mickey Mouse traditionally wears yellow shoes, red shorts, and white gloves.

Walt Disney never actually drew Mickey for any theatrical cartoons. Mickey was drawn by Walt's chief animator, Ub Iwerks. By 1928, Walt was no longer animating for the feature shorts, but had instead moved into story work and direction. The only Mickeys ever drawn by Walt were at the request of autograph seekers.

 

Mickey Mouse's Filmography List

They are listed below by year. 

Running, running, running and still I get no where.

 

1928

Walt Disney becomes Mickey Mouse's official voice starting with "Steamboat Willie" and continuing until 1946.

Plane Crazy 

Mickey's first silent short feature. It was the third cartoon to be released. It is a black and white film and was released on May 15, 1928. It is a parody of Charles Lindbergh's influence on the world. It was later re-released as part of "Milestones for Mickey" in 1974. Directed by Walt Disney.

The Gallopin' Gaucho 

The second short to be produced, it was released later in 1928 after sound had been added. This black and white short is a silent parody of Douglas Fairbanks' popular swashbuckling movies. Directed by Walt Disney. Release date unknown.

Steamboat Willie

The first synchronized sound cartoon and first cartoon featuring Mickey Mouse to be shown publicly. It was released on November 18, 1928 at the Colony Theater in New York. This date has become Mickey Mouse's official birth date. It was later re-released as part of "Milestones" in Animation in 1973. It features Mickey as a mischievous deckhand on Captain Pete's steamboat. Directed by Walt Disney.

The Barn Dance

This fourth cartoon to be released, it was a silent black and white short featuring Mickey and Pete fighting over Minnie's attentions. Directed by Walt Disney. Release date unknown.

 

1929

The Mickey Mouse Club originated in 1929 at the Fox Dome Theatre in Ocean Park, California. It eventually spread to hundreds of other theaters. Clubs met on Saturday mornings and featured cartoons, club elections, live music, prizes and sing-a-longs. "Minnie's Yoo-Hoo" was the Mickey Mouse Club song.

The Opry House 

A black and white short, Mickey wears white gloves for the first time. He closes the film with an impersonation of Polish pianist, Ignace Jan Paderewski. This is considered to be the first real Disney musical. It shows Mickey as the owner and pianist for a small town vaudeville show. Directed by Walt Disney. Release date unknown.

When the Cat's Away

The first black and white short cartoon to show Mickey and Minnie at their actual rodent size. It features Mickey and Minnie tap dancing on a piano keyboard much to the dismay of the house's resident cat. Directed by Walt Disney. Release date unknown.

The Barnyard Battle

A black and white short showing Mickey playing a soldier defending his farm from Pete and his army of cats. Directed by Walt Disney. Release date unknown.

The Plow Boy

Mickey's first encounter with Horace Horsefly. Horace flirts with Minnie and chaos ensues. Directed by Walt Disney. This black and white short is released on May 9, 1929.

The Karnival Kid

Mickey speaks his first words... "Hot Dogs!" [Voiced by Walt Disney] Mickey sells hot dogs at the carnival while serenading shimmy dancer, Minnie. This black and white short is released on May 23, 1929. Directed by Walt Disney.

Mickey's Follies

This black and white short features Mickey singing for the first time... "Minnie's Yoo-hoo", but not with Walt's voice. A musical revue, this short features a pig who sings opera, two dancing chickens and a song by Mickey. Directed by Wilfred Jackson. Release date unknown.

"Minnie's Yoo Hoo" serves as the new theme song for the Mickey Mouse series of cartoon shorts. The music was written by Carl Stalling and the lyrics by Walt Disney. Animation historians have pointed out that it seems to be the first song with original lyrics created by Walt's studio.

Mickey's Choo-Choo

Mickey's run-away train puts Minnie in danger. This black and white short is released on June 20,1929. Directed by Walt Disney.

The Jazz Fool

This black and white short shows Mickey performing in a traveling "Big Road Show". Directed by Walt Disney. Release date unknown.

Jungle Rhythm

Mickey on safari soothes savage beasts in this black and white short. Directed by Walt Disney. Release date unknown.

The Haunted House

Mickey caught up in a storm  seeks refuge for himself in a haunted house with skeletons and the Grim Reaper, in this black and white short. Directed by Walt Disney. Release date unknown.

Wild Waves

This black and white short shows Mickey saving Minnie at the beach. First cartoon to be directed by Burt Gillett. Release date unknown.

 

1930

Barnyard Concert

Mickey plays a conductor leading a band of barnyard animals. It features "Poet and Peasant Overture." It was released on April 10, 1930. Directed by Walt Disney.

Just Mickey

Mickey gives a violin concert. Originally called "Fiddling Around", it was released on April 21, 1930. Directed by Walt Disney

The Cactus Kid

Mickey as the Cactus Kid must try to save cantina hostess Minnie from the foul clutches of evil bandito Peg-leg Pete. It was released on May 15, 1930 and directed by Walt Disney.

The Fire Fighters

Fire Chief Mickey & Horace Horsecollar save Miss Minnie from a blazing fire. It was released on June 25, 1930 and was directed by Burt Gillett.

The Shindig 

Mickey has barn dance, where  Minnie plays piano; Mickey plays fiddle, then percussion, then harmonica. Mickey finally dances with the huge Patricia Pig. It was released on July 29, 1930 and directed by Burt Gillett.

The Chain Gang 

For unknown reasons, Mickey Mouse is in prison. It features a musical sequence with the prisoners dancing around the prison yard and Mickey's attempt to escape. It was released on September 5, 1930 and directed by Burt Gillett.

The Gorilla Mystery

Mickey comes to the rescue when an escaped ape causes mayhem in poor Minnie's house. It was released on October 10, 1930 and directed by Burt Gillett.

The Picnic

Mickey romances Minnie during a picnic in the country. Music includes "Minnie's Yoo Hoo!" - one of Mickey's earliest theme songs. Pluto is Minnie's dog this time around. It is released on October 23, 1930 and directed by Burt Gillett.

Pioneer Days -

Mickey and Minnie are on a wagon train; where they are attacked by Indians and Minnie is captured. It is released on December 5, 1930 and directed by Burt Gillett.

 

1931

The Birthday Party

Mickey's friends throw him a surprise birthday party at Minnie's house, where he receives a miniature piano. It is released on January 7, 1931 and directed by Burt Gillett.

Traffic Trouble

Mickey as a reckless Taxi driver causes troubles for locals, including a cow and a medicine man. It was released on March 17, 1931 and directed by Burt Gillett.

The Castaways

Mickey battles waves to become a castaway on a lonely island where he makes music with the piano which is swept onto the beach. It is released on April 6, 1931 and directed by Wilfred Jackson.

The Moose Hunt

Mickey goes hunting with Pluto.  Pluto does an impression of Dumbo, with Mickey riding on his back. This is the first time Mickey Mouse's dog is called Pluto and Pluto actually speaks a few words in this cartoon. It was released on May 3, 1931 and directed by Burt Gillett.

The Delivery Boy

Delivery boy Mickey spots Minnie washing clothes and that's all it takes for the two of them to stop and make merry music together. It is released on June 13, 1931 and directed by Burt Gillett.

Mickey Steps Out

Mickey heads over to see Minnie, with Pluto and havoc ensues. It was released on July 7, 1931 and directed by Burt Gillett.

Blue Rhythm

Mickey and the gang play a wacky version of "St. Louis Blues." It was released August 18, 1931 and directed by Burt Gillett.

Fishin' Around

Mickey & Pluto find plenty of trouble while fishing on the lake. It was released on September 25, 1931 and directed by Burt Gillett.

The Barnyard Broadcast

Mickey runs the broadcasts from Station ICU which are disrupted by a stray cat & her incorrigible kittens. It was released on October 10, 1931 and directed by Burt Gillett.

The Beach Party  

Mickey, Minnie and the gang enjoy a day at the beach until Pluto inadvertently disturbs a wrathful octopus. It was released on November 5, 1931 and directed by Burt Gillett.

Mickey Cuts Up  

Mickey and Minnie are neighbors doing their lawns with enjoying the day until a cat causes trouble. It was released on November 30, 1931 and directed by Burt Gillett.

Mickey's Orphans

Mickey and Minnie play Christmas hosts to some orphaned kittens and in turn the kittens destroy the house. It was released on December 9, 1931 and directed by Burt Gillett.

 

1932

The Duck Hunt  

Mickey and Pluto go on a duck hunt and anger the ducks. It was released on January 28, 1932 and directed by Burt Gillett.

The Grocery Boy  

Mickey makes a delivery to Minnie, but is interrupted by Pluto's interest in the baked turkey in Minnie's oven. It was released on February 11, 1932 and directed by Wilfred Jackson.

The Mad Dog  

Bath day for Pluto turns into chaos., but Pluto eventually gives in. It was released on March 5, 1932 and directed by Burt Gillett.

Barnyard Olympics

To coincide with the Los Angeles Olympics of 1932, Mickey & Pete compete in the Cross Country Bicycle event all in the hope of winning Minnie's attention. It was released on April 15, 1932 and directed by Wilfred Jackson.

Mickey's Revue

Mickey and Minnie put on a show. This marks the first appearance of a character named Dippy Dawg, who would soon evolve into Goofy. It was released on May 25, 1932 and directed by Wilfred Jackson.

Musical Farmer

Mickey does his farm chores set to music. Chores include stopping crows from eating his seeds and caring for the hens. It was released on July 9, 1932 and directed by Wilfred Jackson.

Mickey in Arabia

Mickey and Minnie vacation in Arabia where Minnie is kidnapped by Black Pete and it's Mickey to the rescue. It is released on July 18, 1932 and directed by Wilfred Jackson.

Mickey's Nightmare

Mickey dreams of married life to Minnie and his home overrun by countless ill-behaved offspring. It was released on August 13, 1932 and directed by Burt Gillett.

Trader Mickey

Mickey and Pluto travel down an African river with their cargo when they are captured by cannibals. This cartoon is rarely seen because it has never been released. since it's original showing. It was released on August 20, 1932 and directed by Dave Hand.

The Whoopee Party  

Police break up a house party, while Minnie plays piano and the guests dance.  Scott Joplin's "The Entertainer" is featured. It was released on September 17, 1932 and directed by Wilfred Jackson.

Touchdown Mickey 

Mickey's team the "Mickey's Manglers" play football against the "Alley Cats." It was released on October 15, 1932 and directed by Wilfred Jackson.

The Wayward Canary  

Mickey gives Minnie a canary and the bird causes chaos. This short features an autographed pictures of Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks, founders of United Artists, Disney's distributor at the time. It was released on November 11, 1932 and directed by Burt Gillett.

The Klondike Kid

Mickey plays piano in the Klondike Bar when he rescues a half-frozen Minnie from Peg Leg Pierre. It was released on November 12, 1932 and directed by Wilfred Jackson.

Mickey's Good Deed

Mickey and Pluto are playing Christmas-carols when a spoiled brat wants a dog for Christmas. Mickey sells Pluto to the spoiled brat, and uses the money to buy Christmas-presents for a poor family. Pluto escapes and returns to a deeply saddened Mickey. It was released on December 17, 1932 and directed by Burt Gillett.

Walt Disney is awarded an Honorary Oscar by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for creating Mickey Mouse. Walt Disney holds the record for most Oscars received by one man at 32.

 

Mickey Mouse Club membership reaches 1 million people in 1932.

 

1933

First Mickey Mouse watch is made by the Ingersoll Watch Co. and sells for $3.25.

 

The watch pictured here is an M1 first sold by Ingersoll Watch Co. in Chicago.

Building a Building

Mickey plays a shovel operator and laborer at a construction site where Minnie is delivering box lunches. Foreman Pete steals Mickey's lunch, so Minnie offers him one on the house. While he's eating, Pete kidnaps Minnie. It was released on January 7, 1933 and directed by Burt Gillett.

The Mad Doctor

On a stormy night, Pluto is spirited away to the spooky mansion of an evil genius for a mad transplant scheme to put his head on the body of a chicken. Mickey gives chase, but find himself threatened severely by the house and its denizens. It was released on January 21, 1933 and directed by Dave Hand.

Mickey's Pal Pluto

Pluto rescues several tiny kittens from drowning and then becomes jealous of the way they are welcomed into Mickey's home. It was later remade as Lend A Paw in 1941. It was released on February 18, 1933 and directed by Burt Gillett.

Mickey's Mellerdrammer

Mickey and his friends put on the play "Uncle Tom's Cabin" with Mickey as Uncle Tom, Minnie as Little Eva, Clarabelle Cow as Eliza and Horace Horsecollar as Simon Legree. It was released on March 18, 1933 and was directed by Wilfred Jackson.

Ye Olden Days

Princess Minnie is to wed the Prince Goofy [still known as Dippy Dawg] against her wishes. She is rescued by Minstrel Mickey. Mickey wins the joust, and they live happily ever after. Release date unknown. It was directed by Burt Gillett.

The Mail Pilot

Mickey knows his postal cargo must get through but he is menaced by Pete in his own plane. It was released on May 13, 1933 and directed by Charles Nichols.

Mickey's Mechanical Man

A boxing robot, built by Mickey engages in the battle against The Kongo Killer, who's a real ape. It was released on June 17, 1933 and directed by Wilfred Jackson.

Mickey's Gala Premier

Mickey's film, "Galloping Romance" gets a Hollywood premiere, and all the stars turn out to the Chinese Theatre. Among those shown: Laurel and Hardy, the Marx Brothers, Jimmy Durante, Clark Gable, Sid Grauman, Mae West.  After, everyone comes on stage to congratulate Mickey; Garbo smothers him with kisses. It was released on July 1, 1933 and directed by Burt Gillett.

Puppy Love

Mickey's in trouble when Pluto and girlfriend, Fifi eat Minnie's chocolates, while Mickey and Minnie enjoy some romantic time. It was released on September 2, 1933 and directed by Wilfred Jackson.

The Steeple Chase

When the old Colonel's horse, Thunderbolt becomes inebriated just before the big race, it is up to jockey Mickey to come up with an outrageous solution to still win the race. It was released on September 30, 1933 and directed by Burt Gillett.

The Pet Store

Tony, the store owner watches as Mickey, Minnie and the entire menagerie dance around frantically. The climax features a  spoof of 1933's King Kong.  It was released on October 28, 1933 and directed by Wilfred Jackson.

Giant-land

Mickey tells a young group of orphans how he climbed a beanstalk into the clouds and confronted the King of Giant-land. It was released on November 25, 1933 and directed by Burt Gillett.

 

1934

Shanghaied

Mickey and Minnie must try to escape after being shanghaied by the ship's evil captain Pegleg Pete. Movie influences include Buster Keaton's The Navigator (1924), Doug Fairbanks' The Black Pirate (1926) & Harold Lloyd's The Kid Brother (1927). It was released on January 13, 1934 and directed by Burt Gillett.

Camping Out

Mickey, Minnie and the gang go camping, but are disturbed by mosquitoes. It was released on February 17, 1934 and directed by Dave Hand.

Playful Pluto

Pluto wrecks havoc while Mickey's trying to do some yard work. One scene involves spreading flypaper and both of them getting stuck. It was released on March 3, 1934 and directed by Burt Gillett.

Gulliver Mickey

Mickey enthralls his young nephews with his adventures among the tiny people of a faraway land. Based on the Jonathan Swift book, Gulliver's Travels.  A sleepy Pluto makes a tiny cameo appearance. It was released on May 19, 1934 and directed by Burt Gillett.

Mickey's Steam Roller

A steamroller creates havoc when "borrowed for a joy ride by Mickey's two infant nephews, Ferdy & Morty. It was released on June 16, 1934 and directed by Dave Hand.

Orphan's Benefit

A benefit is held to raise money for the mice orphans. It was released on August 11, 1934 and directed by Burt Gillett.

This short marks Donald Duck's first appearance with Mickey Mouse.

Mickey Plays Papa

Mickey and Pluto play papa to Baby Elmer, a crying foundling who's been left on his doorstep. Mickey performs impersonations of Charlie Chaplin and Jimmy Durante. It was released on September 29, 1934 and directed by Burt Gillett. It was reissued in the 1950's without Mickey in it and re-titled "Pluto and the Baby".

The Dognapper

Minnie's dog, Fifi has been stolen and it's up to Officers Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck to track dognapper, Peg Leg Pete  to his hideout in an old sawmill. It was released by November 17, 1934 and directed by Dave Hand.

Two-Gun Mickey

In this spoof of the old West, when Miss Minnie is bothered by Bandit Pete, it's Mickey to her rescue. It was released on December 15, 1934 and directed by Ben Sharpsteen.

 

That Walt, what a guy!

 

1935

1935 through 1940 were considered the Golden Age of Disney Animation.

Mickey's Man Friday 

Mickey is stranded on an island, where runs into some cannibals who are about to cook a fellow cannibal. Mickey scares them off and makes friends with the cannibal whom he calls Friday. Together, they build a fort to protect themselves from the cannibals when they come back, but end up fleeing for their lives on Mickey's raft. This is also one of those politically incorrect shorts that has not been released in years. It was released on January 19, 1935 and directed by Dave Hand.

The Band Concert 

Mickey's first all color cartoon. It also features the first classical music theme. Mickey leads a band concert of the William Tell Overture, but is  disrupted by ice cream vendor Donald, who uses a seemingly endless supply of flutes to play Turkey in the Straw instead. After Donald gives up, a bee comes along and causes his own havoc. The band then reaches the Storm sequence, and the weather also starts to pick up; a tornado comes along, but they keep playing. It was released on February 23, 1935 and directed by Wilfred Jackson.

Mickey's Service Station

A black and white cartoon featuring Mickey, Donald, and Goofy fix Pete's car with comic results with a wonderfully loud end. It was released on March 16, 1935 and directed by Ben Sharpsteen.

Mickey's Kangaroo

A kangaroo [a surprise gift from Australia] proceeds to give the Mickey a boxing lesson. This cartoon features Pluto uncharacteristically 'speaking' directly to the viewers via his thoughts. It was released on April 13, 1935 and directed by Dave Hand. It was the last Mickey Mouse cartoon to be filmed in black and white.

This marks the end of the black and white cartoon era at the Disney Studios.

Mickey's Garden

In this second color Mickey adventure, bugs are eating everything in Mickey's yard, so he and Pluto set out on a mission to stop them with some poisonous gas. Mickey accidentally ends up spraying himself with the gas, he goes on a scary trip in which he is thimble sized and the bugs are as big as T-Rexes. A chase ensues with Mickey and Pluto being pursued by the creepy crawlies. Mickey only speaks briefly the last few seconds. It was released on July 13, 1935 and was directed by Wilfred Jackson.

Mickey's Fire Brigade 

Mickey, Donald and Goofy serve as the town's fire department and their attempts at fighting a boardinghouse fire are not particularly effective. It was released on August 3, 1935 and directed by Ben Sharpsteen.

Pluto's Judgment Day

Pluto is chased by cats into hell where he is tried by a jury of cats for his many crimes against the feline species. It was released on August 31, 1935 and directed by Dave Hand.

On Ice

The gang go ice skating on a frozen river. Mickey impresses Minnie with his skating while Goofy tries to ice fish using tobacco instead of worms, and Donald torments poor old Pluto by sticking skates on his paws and watching him fall all over the place. Donald gets into trouble when he is blown over the edge of the waterfall. Mickey tries to rescue him but succeeds only in humiliating Donald further. It was released on September 28, 1935 and directed by Ben Sharpsteen.

 

1936

Mickey's Polo Team

Mickey leads his polo team that includes Donald, Goofy, and the Big Bad Wolf against an all-star Hollywood team of Stan Laurel, Oliver Hardy, Harpo Marx, and Charles Chaplin. The game is refereed by Jack Holt. Featured spectators include the Three Little Pigs, Shirley Temple, W.C. Fields, and Clarabelle Cow with Clark Gable. Originally, Will Rogers was to be one of the polo players, but died in a plane accident before principal photography began. As the title suggests, this short centers on polo -- which Walt loved. He even formed a Disney polo team! It was released on January 4, 1936 and directed by Dave Hand.

Orphan's Picnic

Mickey and Donald take orphaned mouse boys on a picnic. The boys torment Donald, first by stealing the picnic food, and then giving him a flower with a bee inside. It was released on February 15, 1936 and directed by Ben Sharpsteen.

Mickey's Grand Opera

Clara Cluck and Donald Duck perform a funny version of Rigoletto as a part of Mickey's Opera assemble. In a subplot, poor Pluto tries to capture a magic hat full of white rabbits, doves & mice.  It was released on March 7, 1936 and directed by Wilfred Jackson.

Thru the Mirror

While reading Alice Through the Looking Glass [by Lewis Carroll], Mickey falls asleep and finds himself on the other side of the mirror, where the furniture is alive.  After a series of curious adventures with walnuts, flowers and playing cards, he turns on a fan and blows them away, back through the mirror, where his alarm is ringing. It was released on May 30, 1936 and directed by Dave Hand.

Mickey's Rival

A picnic with Minnie is ruined by the arrival of Mickey's arch rival for Minnie's attention, the thoroughly obnoxious Mortimer. The character of Mortimer Mouse is introduced as Mickey's rival. This was to have been Mickey's original name. The character of Mortimer was modeled after Walt. It was released on June 20, 1936 and directed by Wilfred Jackson.

Moving Day

Donald and Mickey's rent is 6 months overdue, so Sheriff Pete is preparing to evict them and sell their belongings. Goofy, as the ice-man comes by and helps them move out before the sale, but their piano doesn't want to stay on his truck. Meanwhile, Donald has a fight with a plunger and a fishbowl after removing a heater from the gas line. It was released on June 20, 1936 and directed by Ben Sharpsteen.

Alpine Climbers

Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and Pluto climb an alpine mountain, although Pluto isn't really climbing. He's hanging with a rope detached to the other two. When they finally reach the top, all three find their own problems. It was released on July 25, 1936 and directed by Dave Hand.

Donald and Pluto

Donald as a plumber is using a large magnet in his work at Mickey's house. When he drops it, it causes trouble for Pluto, especially after Pluto swallows it. Things begin clinging to him, especially his metal dog dish. Mickey has less of a role in this cartoon and plays second banana to Donald. It was released on September 12, 1936 and directed by Ben Sharpsteen.

Mickey's Circus

Mickey plays ringmaster to a circus for orphans. Donald does a trained sea lion act, and a bit of juggling himself. A fight breaks out with a baby sea lion who keeps stealing both the fish. This is followed by an impromptu high wire act with Mickey and Donald that ends up with a high dive into the seals' tank. It was released on August 1, 1936 and was directed by Ben Sharpsteen.

Mickey's Elephant

The friend sends Mickey a baby elephant named Bobo for a new pet and as a pal for Pluto. So while Mickey gets down to work building an Elephant kennel, Pluto and the elephant cause trouble This cartoon utilizes the infamous devil versus angel on Pluto's shoulder. It was released on October 10, 1936 and directed by Dave Hand.

 

1937

The Worm Turns

As a mad scientist, Mickey brews up a potion to give super-courage and strength to whoever drinks it. He tests it on a fly, which soon beats up the spider who's web it is caught in. To make sure the potion is a complete success Mickey gives it to a mouse to in turn beats up a cat, the cat beats up Pluto who then beats up the local Dog Warden. It was released on January 2, 1937 and directed by Ben Sharpsteen.

Magician Mickey

Mickey plays a magician, and Goofy is the stagehand. With Donald is sitting in a box seat, the heckling soon starts. Mickey gets even. Ultimately, Donald gets hold of Mickey's flare gun and literally brings the house down on all three of them. It was released on February 6, 1937 and directed by Dave Hand.

Moose Hunters

Goofy, wearing the front and Donald, wearing the rear are dressed in a moose suit, trying to lure moose for hunter Mickey. When they do find one, it turns out to be more than they can handle. It was released on February 20, 1937 and directed by Ben Sharpsteen.

Mickey's Amateurs

Mickey plays host to an amateur hour radio show. Among the acts: Donald forgetting the words to "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star"; Clara Cluck singing and chasing the microphone; and Goofy with an elaborate one-man-band contraption. It was released on April 17, 1937 and directed by Pinto Colvin, Walt Pfeiffer and Ed Penner.

Hawaiian Holiday

The gang is on a Hawaiian vacation. Goofy has trouble learning to surf. Donald learns why you don't wear a grass skirt near a fire. Pluto and a starfish have a fight that is followed by an encounter with a hermit crab. It was released on September 24, 1937 and directed by Ben Sharpsteen.

Clock Cleaners

A classic film from Disney's Golden Age, Mickey, Donald and Goofy have their work cut out for them in this animation. Mickey deals with a stubborn stork, Donald falls foul of the mechanism's mainspring and Goofy, in a nod to Harold Lloyd, teeters about the deadly brink. 'Asleep In The Deep' is the tune of which the Goof keeps singing the first line ('Loudly the bell in the old tower rings.') It was released on October 15, 1937 and directed by Ben Sharpsteen.

Lonesome Ghost

A house full of lonesome ghosts find a newspaper ad for a Ghost Hunting service run by Mickey, Donald and Goofy. n the end, the ghosts are scared by a molasses and flour covered trio of Disney characters. It was released on December 24, 1937 and directed by Burt Gillett.

Don Donald

Donald is courting Daisy (called Donna, here in her first appearance) Duck in Mexico. He arrives on a burro, but she convinces him to buy a car. They head through the desert, but the car breaks down, and throws Donald out, then takes off on its own with Daisy trapped inside the rumble seat. The car hits a rock, throwing Daisy into a mud puddle, to Donald's excessive amusement. Daisy pulls a unicycle from her purse, and rides off. It was released on January 9, 1937 and directed by Ben Sharpsteen. Mickey does not speak in this cartoon. This the first official Donald Duck cartoon, it also marks the first appearance of his girlfriend Daisy. Daisy's voice is Donald's voice speeded up slightly.

Modern Inventions

Mickey does not appear in this cartoon despite that fact that it is released as a Mickey Mouse cartoon. Donald visits a museum of modern inventions where he struggles with a robot butler who keeps taking his hat; a package wrapping machine; a robot nursemaid; an automated barber chair. It was released on May 29, 1937. This is the first cartoon directed by Jack King.

Pluto's Quan-puplets

Pluto wants to chase the sausage man, but Fifi convinces him to look after their five rambunctious puppies instead. The puppies end up in the basement, where they tangle with a compressed air tank, paint, a jug of hooch, and other hazards. Fifi returns and finds a drunk Pluto, paint on everyone, and gets very angry. It was released on November 26, 1937 and directed by Ben Sharpsteen.

 

1938

Mickey Mouse Theater of the Air

A radio broadcast that premiered on NBC in 1938. Walt Disney provided Mickey's voice.

Boat Builders

Mickey buys a boat kit, and enlists Goofy and Donald to help assemble it. After tons of troubles, they're ready to launch the Queen Minnie, which collapses. It was released on February 25, 1938 and directed by Ben Sharpsteen.

Mickey's Trailer

With Goofy in the driver's seat, Mickey in the trailer kitchen, and Donald in bed, trouble starts. While Goofy is eating breakfast, [and not driving the car], it takes them onto a dangerous mountain road. They come very close to disaster several times, but survive. It was released on May 6, 1938 and directed by Ben Sharpsteen.

The Whalers

Mickey, Donald, and Goofy are crewing a whaling ship. Their mishaps include Donald fighting off some hungry birds, Mickey and a bucket of water that keeps doing a boomerang impression, and Goofy firing the cannon and getting stuck high in the air, and ultimately inside a whale. The first cartoon directed by Dick Huemer. It was released on August 19, 1938.

Mickey's Parrot

Mickey overhears a radio broadcast about an escaped killer. A parrot belonging to an escaped killer ends up in Mickey's basement. Mickey hearing the parrot thinks it is the killer he's just heard about on the radio. While Mickey is hiding in the basement, Pluto runs into the parrot, first hidden under the fish, and then inside a leftover turkey. It was released on September 9, 1938 and was the first cartoon to be directed by Bill Roberts.

Brave Little Tailor

When a giant threatens the land, the city folk mistake Mickey's boast of killing seven flies with one blow to be giants. He is then forced to fight the giant for real. It was released on September 23, 1938 and directed by Bill Roberts.

The Fox Hunt

A Silly Symphony Cartoon, that features Mickey, Goofy and Donald, who is trying to control the hounds. Goofy is riding on Horace Horsecollar, as the fox outwits both of them. Some other Disney characters are seen briefly in the hunting party at the end. It was originally released on October 20, 1931, but was re-released as a Donald and Goofy short on July 29, 1938. It was directed by Ben Sharpsteen.

 

 

1939

Society Dog Show

Mickey enters Pluto into a dog show against high society dogs. Pluto starts making eyes at the cute dog next door. When Pluto's turn for judging comes, the judge makes fun of him. Pluto attacks the judges and gets thrown out. But a fire breaks out, and only Pluto is brave enough to save the cute dog trapped inside. It was released on February 3, 1939 and directed by Bill Roberts.

The Pointer

Mickey and Pluto go hunting for quail. Mickey tries to teach Pluto to be a proper pointer dog, but in doing so, Mickey accidentally jumps on a bear's nose, and thinks it's Pluto. Meanwhile, Pluto finds the quail and points. The baby quails climb on board Pluto and start picking at his hairs, but Pluto's been told not to move. Mickey finds Pluto, who is covered by small animals. Mickey realizes he's being followed by a bear and tries to reason with it. It ends with a chase. It was released on July 21, 1939 and directed by Clyde Geronimi.

With the release of The Pointer, Mickey Mouse is redesigned and is given pupils in his eyes and a more 3D body shape.

Mickey's Surprise Party

Originally made as a commercial for the National Biscuit Company to be shown at the 1939 New York World's Fair, this cartoon features Minnie is baking cookies. When she leaves, her dog Fifi accidentally drops popcorn kernels in the dough. Mickey and Pluto come over to visit. When Mickey notices that something is burning, Minnie remembers the cookies, which are popping popcorn out of them. Minnie is upset and lies on her sofa crying. Mickey goes out and buys a large amount of Nabisco Cookies. He comes back and shows them to her and she is overjoyed. It was delivered to the company on February 18, 1939.

The Standard Parade

A live action black-and-white film made as a promo for Standard Oil Company. The prologue tells the story of a young Walt Disney coming to Hollywood with $300, being rejected by all the major studios, but going on to become a success. Titles then ask what this means to the Standard Oil Salesman, and a parade of Disney characters gives us the answer, featuring Mickey as drum major, Minnie carrying a banner, and the 7 Dwarfs carrying the letters "STANDARD". Standard Oil would be featuring Disney characters in it's upcoming advertisement campaigns in the coming year.

 

1940

Tugboat Mickey

Mickey fights with a pelican while performing routine maintenance on his tugboat. Suddenly, a call comes on the radio that a sinking ship needs assistance. Mickey's feeble crew consists of Donald and Goofy, so chances look slim for a rescue. It was released on April 26, 1940 and directed by Clyde Geronimi.

Pluto's Dream House

Mickey plans on building a dream house for Pluto when he gets assistance from a magic lamp. There is no genii - the lamp is enchanted and speaks with a voice that will remind some viewers of Jack Benny's Rochester (Eddie Anderson). Things really get wild when it starts taking orders from Mickey's malfunctioning radio. It was released on August 30, 1940 and directed by Clyde Geronimi.

Mr. Mouse Takes A Trip

Mickey is taking a train vacation from Burbank to Pomona. The conductor, Pete, won't let him bring Pluto, so he hides Pluto in his suitcase, and tries to hide him all throughout the trip without much luck. Pete thinks he's won when Pluto is hooked by a mail hook, but he finds out he's wrong. It was released on November 1, 1940 and directed by Clyde Geronimi.

Fantasia

This is Mickey's first feature length film. "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" features Mickey Mouse as an aspiring magician who oversteps his limits of sorcery when he borrows his wizard's hat. It premiered on November 13, 1940 at the Broadway Theater in New York and was directed by Samuel Armstrong, James Algar, Bill Roberts, Paul Satterfield, Hamilton Luske, Jim Handley, Ford Beebe, T. Hee, and Norm Ferguson. The film was presented for the first time in Fantasound, an early theater stereo system. It won Academy Awards in sound and unique achievement in visual music. It was re-released in1946, 1956, 1963,1969, 1977, 1982, and 1990. It was released to video in 1991.It received a new soundtrack when it was re-released in 1982.

 

1941

The Little Whirlwind

Mickey wants some of the cake Minnie has just baked, so he offers to clean up her yard. As he's working, a tiny tornado (smaller than him) with a mind of its own comes along and causes trouble. After Mickey finally chases the little twister off, it gets its big brother, which makes a grand mess of the yard. Most of the cartoon, except for the opening and closing, has no dialogue. The tornado sequence was borrowed from The Band Concert. It was released on February 14, 1941 and directed by Riley Thompson.

An animator's strike by the Screen Cartoonist Guild started on May 29, 1941 and lasted for 5 weeks. The strike occurred during the making of the animated feature Dumbo, and a number of strikers are caricatured in the feature as clowns who go to "hit the big boss for a raise." Many of the cartoon shorts made during this time were rehashes of precious popular Disney shorts.

The Nifty Nineties

Mickey courts Minnie in Gay Nineties style. They attend a vaudeville show and go for a drive in his horseless carriage, to the strains of "While Strolling Through the Park" and "In the Good Old Summertime". Goofy rides by on a penny-farthing bicycle, and the whole Duck family rides by on a bicycle built for five. It was released on June 20, 1941 and directed by Riley Thompson.

Orphan's Benefit

Mickey and his friends put on a musical revue for the local 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. Donald returns, and the orphans abuse him with bricks and eggs. It was released on August 11, 1934 and directed by Burt Gillett.

A Gentlemen's Gentleman

Mickey sends Pluto out for a newspaper, but Pluto loses the dime and suffers other tribulations until he finally arrives with a mud covered paper. It was released on March 28, 1941 and directed by Clyde Geronimi.

Canine Caddy

Mickey's going golfing, and uses Pluto as his caddy. Besides the usual caddy duties, Pluto runs to the ball and points to it. But when the ball lands in a gopher hole, Pluto's got another task: chase the gopher. They eventually chase each other through a number of holes in a knoll where Mickey is trying to putt out, causing the knoll to collapse. It was released on May 30, 1941 and directed by Clyde Geronimi.

Lend a Paw

It is the dead of winter and Pluto is sniffing around outside when he hears a noise. It's coming from a bag floating on an ice floe in a creek. Pluto rescues it, then loses interest when it turns out to be a kitten. The kitten follows him home, and Mickey takes a liking to it, to Pluto's disgust. Pluto's devil and angel sides give him conflicting advice. Pluto puts the cat up to mischief, but Bianca the goldfish fingers Pluto as the real culprit, getting him thrown outside. The kitten falls into a well, and the angel beats up the devil, convincing Pluto to save the kitten. It was released on October 3, 1941 and directed by Clyde Geronimi. It received an Academy Award for Best Cartoon. It was a remake of 1933's "Mickey's Pal Pluto".

 

1942

The start of World War II at the beginning of 1942 caused Mickey Mouse cartoon production to slow down between 1942 and 1945 while the studio produced educational films for the Army and Navy.

Mickey's Birthday Party

The gang throws Mickey a surprise birthday party. Mickey opens and plays his present: an electric organ. Minnie plays while Mickey does a jazzy dance. Goofy bakes the cake, but keeps having trouble with it falling. The gang does a conga line to a Latin tune. Very similar to an earlier Mickey Mouse short entitled "The Birthday Party" in 1931. It was released on February 7, 1942 and directed by Riley Thompson.

Symphony Hour

Mickey leads a radio orchestra and the new sponsor loves the rehearsal. The actual performance is less than stellar as Goofy drops all the instruments under an elevator where they get smashed and sound like toys. The sponsor hates it, but the audience loves it. Very similar to an earlier Mickey Mouse short entitled "The Band Concert" in 1935. It was released on March 20, 1942 and directed by Riley Thompson.

All Together

The entire Disney stable of characters appears in a parade urging the Canadian citizens to purchase war bonds. It was released on January 13, 1942 and was made for the National Film Board.

 

1943

Pluto and the Armadillo

This segment was originally part of  the full length feature "Saludos Amigos", but ended up being released separately. Mickey and Pluto make a short stopover on a South American flight. Mickey throws Pluto's ball into the jungle, and he chases it but it looks exactly the same as an armadillo that's rolled up into a ball. This, of course, greatly confuses Pluto for a while. But he eventually makes friends with the armadillo. He chases the critter into a cave right behind his ball, and rips the ball apart thinking it's the armadillo, which makes him very sad until the armadillo shows up again. It was released on February 19, 1943 and directed by Clyde Geronimi.

 

1945 & 1946

No Mickey Mouse shorts were produced during this time.

 

1946

Jim Macdonald becomes the 2nd person to do Mickey's voice. He replaces Walt Disney.

Squatter's Rights

Chip 'n Dale have set up house in the wood stove of Mickey's cabin. Pluto knows they are there, but Mickey only knows his matches keep going out when he tries to light a fire. One of the earliest Chip and Dale with Mickey appearances, if not the first. It was released on June 7, 1946 and directed by Jack Hannah. It was nominated for an Academy Award.

 

1947

Mickey's Delayed Date

Mickey accidentally oversleeps and is awakened by Minnie's call from the dance he should be at. He dresses quickly in his Sunday best and rushes to the dance hall, but has forgotten the tickets. Pluto sees the tickets and races to find Mickey who ends up rolling in a trash can. This ruins his suit, but it works out, because the dance is a "hard times" costume party. And Pluto saves the day. It was released on October 3, 1947 and directed by Charles Nichols.

Fun & Fancy Free  

Mickey's 2nd full length feature is released. It includes a segment called Mickey & the Beanstalk and is narrated by ventriloquist, Edgar Bergen. Beginning with this feature, Jim Macdonald takes over doing Mickey's voice for Walt. It was released to video in 1988.

 

1948

Mickey's Down Under

Mickey runs a banana plantation, where a frightened Pluto gets tangled up with  Mickey's boomerang. Meanwhile, Mickey has found an ostrich egg whose owner isn't at all happy that Mickey wants to take it. This is the first cartoon to officially feature Jim McDonald as the voice of Mickey. It was released on March 19, 1948 and directed by Charles Nichols.

Mickey and the Seal

Mickey visits the zoo, where he makes friends with a baby seal by feeding it a couple of fish from his picnic basket. The seal stows away in the basket and goes home with Mickey, where for a while, only Pluto sees it. Eventually it climbs into Mickey's bath, and he eventually figures it out and returns the tot. He tells his elders of the wonders of Mickey's bath and scrub-brush, and Mickey returns home to find a welcoming committee. It was released on December 3, 1948 and directed by Charles Nichols.

Pluto's Purchase.

Mickey sends Pluto to the butcher store for sausage, but Butch [the enemy] sees this and plans to take Pluto's sausage. Pluto manages to retrieve the prize and get it safely home, only to discover it's a birthday present for Butch. It was released on July 9, 1948 and directed by Charles Nichols.

 

1949

Pueblo Pluto

Mickey goes shopping at a souvenir shop in the southwest and leaves Pluto with a buffalo bone to chew on. A small dog comes to take it away and runs into a ring of cactus with it. Pluto is too big to reach her, so he comes in from above and finds himself stuck inside until the small dog helps. It was released on January 14, 1949 and directed by Charles Nichols.

 

1950

Crazy Over Daisy

It's the 1890's, and Donald is riding his penny-farthing bicycle to see Daisy when Chip 'n Dale make fun of him. It quickly escalates into a full-fledged war between Donald and the chipmunks. Mickey's appearance in this short is very brief. It was released on March 24, 1950 and directed by Jack Hannah.

 

1951

Plutopia

Mickey's goes on vacation to Camp Utopia. At first Pluto thinks it really is utopia because there are trees everywhere and a cat to chase. The cabin rules turn Pluto's utopia into a prison camp: no dogs indoors, and dogs must be muzzled and leashed. The cat taunts him while Pluto falls asleep and dreams of his perfect "Plutopia" with a cat begging Pluto to bite him and catering to his every need. Once again, Mickey's appearance is very limited in this short. It was released on May 18, 1951 and directed by Charles Nichols.

R'coon Dawg

Mickey is hunting raccoons, with help from Pluto. The raccoon outsmarts Pluto, with help from a vine, a stream, and ultimately by grabbing Mickey's coonskin cap and using it as a puppet baby coon. It was released on August 10, 1951 and directed by Charles Nichols.

 

1952

Pluto's Party

Pluto's birthday party is filled with Mickey's dozens of nephews who seem to be having all the fun. Their present is a wagon so Pluto can pull them; the "Pin the Tail on Pluto" game doesn't go quite right, and everything seems to prevent Pluto from having his birthday cake. Fortunately, Mickey has planned ahead. It was released on September 19, 1952 and directed by Milt Schaffer.

Pluto's Christmas Tree

Pluto helps Mickey get a Christmas tree. Chip 'n Dale make fun of Pluto, but Mickey chops down the very tree they take refuge in. Troubles ensue between the dog and the chipmunks. Minnie, Donald, and Goofy drop by to sing carols. It was released on November 21, 1952 and directed by Jack Hannah.

 

1953

The Simple Things

Mickey and Pluto go fishing. Pluto has a run-in with a clam, who eventually lodges in Pluto's mouth. After they get rid of the clam, Mickey's attempts to use his minnows as bait are thwarted by a hungry seagull. he brings his friends, and they chase our heroes away. It was released on  April 18, 1953 and directed by Charles Nichols. This was the last Mickey Mouse cartoon that Walt Disney worked on, as his attentions were now drawn away by the creating of Disneyland. This would also be the last Mickey Mouse feature short to be produced for the next 30 years.

Editors Note: I find it ironic that my favorite cartoon character's last cartoon short was made a month after I was born.

Artist John Hench paints Mickey's official portrait in honor of his 25th birthday.

 

1954

No Mickey Mouse shorts were produced during this time.

 

1955

No Mickey Mouse shorts were produced during this time.

On July 17th, Disneyland in Anaheim, California, Walt's first themed amusement park opens and Mickey Mouse becomes the official host.

The Mickey Mouse Club

A children's television show in black & white debuts featuring it's host, Mickey Mouse. It features cartoons, Children's serial programs [such as Spin and Marty] and educational shorts, as well as live children singing and dancing. It premiered on October 3, 1955 and ended on September 25, 1959. The show was hosted by Jimmy Dodd and Roy Williams. It featured the now famous "Mickey Mouse March" as it's club theme song, which was written by show host, Jimmie Dodd. Children from the show including Annette Funicello and Bobby Burgess. Daily shows included Monday's "Fun with Music Day", Tuesday's "Guest Star Day", Wednesday's "Anything Can Happen Day", Thursday's "Circus Day", and Friday's "Talent Round-up Day". The show returned to syndication from 1962 to 1965 and also in 1977 and in 1983 for the launch of the Disney Channel. These reruns proved so successful that a new version was launched in 1977.

 

1956 - 1967

No Mickey Mouse shorts were produced during this time.

On December 15th, 1966, Mickey loses his beast friend and creator, Walt Disney to cancer.

On October 1st, 1971, Mickey Mouse opens Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida and becomes it's official host.

 

1968

The Mickey Mouse Anniversary Show

A made for television special that featured host, Dean Jones showing 40 years of Mickey Mouse cartoons clips and a reunion of the original Mouseketeers. It aired on December 22, 1968.

 

1969 - 1976

No Mickey Mouse shorts were produced during this time.

 

1977

No Mickey Mouse shorts were produced during this time.

The New Mickey Mouse Club

A new color version of classic children's television series using the same type format with new children. It premiered on January 14, 1977 and ran until December 1, 1978. Monday became "Who, What, Where, When and Why Day", Tuesday  was "Let's Go Day",  Wednesday was "Surprise Day", Thursday was "Discovery Day", and Friday was "Showtime Day".

Wayne Allwine becomes the 3rd person to do Mickey Mouse's voice. He replaces Jim McDonald.

 

1978 - 1979

No Mickey Mouse shorts were produced during this time.

On November 3rd, in honor of his 50th birthday, Mickey Mouse is awarded a star on Hollywood Blvd.

He is the first animated cartoon to receive one.

 

1980

Mickey Mouse Disco

A film cartoon compilation of old footage from Mickey, Donald and Goofy cartoons that were set to new soundtracks. It become the idea for the Disney Channel's DTV music videos where old cartoon footage is married to modern music. It was released on June 25, 1980.

 

1981 - 1982

No Mickey Mouse shorts were produced during this time.

 

 

Suddenly, after 30 Years of Retirement......

 

1983

Mickey's Christmas Carol

Charles Dickens classic story features an all star Disney cast. Uncle Scrooge McDuck plays Scrooge and is visited by his dead partner [Goofy] and 3 spirits on Christmas Eve to help him remember the joys of Christmas. Mickey stars as Scrooge's clerk, Bob Cratchit. It was released on December 16, 1983 and directed by Burny Mattinson. It was released to video in 1984. This is the last film where Clarence Nash provides the voice of Donald Duck and the first where Wayne Allwine provides the voice of Mickey Mouse. This is also the first time that Alan Young provides the voice of Scrooge McDuck. The first animated short with Mickey Mouse since The Simple Things (1953). The theatrical release of this film was as part of the reissue of The Rescuers (1977).

 

1984

The Mickey, Donald and Sport Goofy Show

A series three half hour programs developed for television that included Mickey Mouse cartoons. It aired during September - December of 1984.

 

1985 - 1986

No Mickey Mouse cartoons are made during this time.

 

1987

Mickey's Field Trips

 A series of four educational films including "The Police Station", "The Fire Station", "The Hospital" and "The United Nations". It was released in September of 1987 and again in July of 1989.

 

1988

No Mickey Mouse cartoons are made during this time.

Who Framed Roger Rabbit?

The first multi-studio collaboration, this live action cartoon features both Disney and Warner Brothers characters. It won 3 Oscars. Cartoon star, Roger Rabbit is worried that his wife Jessica is playing pattycake with someone else, so the studio hires detective Eddie Valiant to snoop on her. The stakes are quickly raised when Marvin Acme is found dead and Roger is the prime suspect. This feature exhibits groundbreaking interaction between the live and animated characters, and lots of references to classic animation. It premiered on June 21, 1988 at Radio City Music Hall in New York and was released to the general public on June 22, 1988. It was directed by Robert Zemekis. Visual effects were created at Industrial Light and Magic. It won 4 Academy Awards including Film Editing, Sound Effects Editing, Visual Effects and a special achievement award in Animation Direction to Richard Williams.

Mickey Mouse: Safety Belt Expert

Mickey starred in an educational film encouraging students to wear seatbelts. It was released in September of 1988.

Mickey's 60th Birthday

A television special shown on November 13, 1988 in celebration of Mickey's 60th birthday. Mickey is missing and everyone is looking for him all over Disneyland. It was directed by Scot Garen.

 

1989

No Mickey Mouse cartoons are made during this time.

On July 17th, Disneyland in Anaheim, California, Walt's first themed amusement park opens and Mickey Mouse becomes the official host.

Mickey Mouse Club

An all new version of the children's television show is premiered on the Disney Channel. Mickey has very little to do with this show other than as a corporate logo. It premiered on April 24, 1989. The last episode was taped in the Fall of 1994. This version featured future stars Brittany Spears, J. C. Chavez and Justin Timberlake.

Mickey's Happy Valentine Special

A television show featuring Prof. Ludwig Von Drake telling the story of love via old cartoon shorts in MTV video fashion. It was shown on February 12, 1989.

Mickey's Safety Club

A series of four educational films that included "Halloween Surprises", "Playground Fun", "What To Do At Home", and "Street Safe, Street Smart". It was released in September of 1989.

 

1990

The Prince and the Pauper

Classic retelling of Mark Twain's The Prince and the Pauper, Mickey plays the heir to the throne as well as a pauper lad. Pauper Mickey dreams of plenty and an easy life as Royalty while the Prince dreams of the freedom as a subject. They meet by accident and exchange places. That the grass is not always greener on the other side. It was released on November 16, 1990 and directed by George Scribbner. It was re-released to video in 1991.

A Goofy Movie

On the last day of school, Max [Goofy's teenage son] wants to catch the eye of the cute Roxanne. Max finds it hard to be cool when your dad's Goofy?  Through the movie, Goofy tries to bring Max out of his shell, while Max resents being taken away, and lying to Roxanne about the trip . It was released on April 7, 1995 and directed by Kevin Lima. It was re-released to video in late 1995.

 

1991

Mickey's Big Break

A short film made for use at Disney MGM Studios in Florida, this short featured Mickey Mouse auditioning for Walt Disney [played by nephew, Roy Disney] and starring Mel Brooks, Ed Begley Jr. and Dom DeLuise. It was shown during the summer of 1991 and directed by Rob Minkoff.

 

1992 - 1994

No Mickey Mouse cartoons are made during this time.

 

1995

Runaway Brain - Mickey's first true theatrical short in over 42 years with the exception of Mickey's Christmas Carol, which is considered to be a full length feature and not a short. Mickey in need of money to buy a gift for Minnie gets mixed up with a mad scientist and mayhem that previously was only witnessed in Warner cartoons occurs. Its every horror movie cliché turned on its head. It was released on August 11,1995 as an opening short for A Kid in King Arthur's Court. The tune that Mickey Mouse whistles is the song that he whistled from Steamboat Willie (1928).

 

1996 - 1997

No Mickey Mouse cartoons are made during this time.

 

1998

In 1998, Mickey presented an envelope to actor Tom Selleck at the Academy Awards.

 

1999

Mickey's Mouse Works (TV)

An animated Television series on ABC that ran from May 1, 1999 until January 6, 2001 and featured new cartoons starring Mickey and the gang.

Mickey's Once Upon A  Christmas 

A direct to video film that features a series of Christmas shorts starring Donald Duck, Goofy and Mickey and Minnie in The Gift of the Magi. released on November 9, 1999.

 

2000

Fantasia 2000

An updated re-release of the original Fantasia, Mickey is once again featured in the digitally enhanced version of The Sorcerer's Apprentice. It premiered on December 15, 1999 at Carnegie Hall in New York and December 31, 1999 at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, California. It opened in IMAX form to the general public on January 1, 2000 and to general movie theaters on June 16, 2000. It was directed by Hendel Butoy and personally surprised by Walt's nephew, Roy E. Disney. The soundtrack was provided by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. It was released to video in  November of 2000.

 

2001

House of Mouse [TV]

Mickey stars in a weekly TV series on the Disney Channel.

Mickey's Magical Christmas

After everyone is snowed in at the House of Mouse, Mickey suggests they throw their own Christmas party. Everyone is happy, except for Donald who just isn't in to the Christmas spirit. So Mickey shows a series of cartoons that show just what Christmas is all about. It features a star studded cast of Disney characters from everyone's favorite animated Disney movies.

 

2002

Mickey's House of Villains

A direct to video film that pits Mickey against Disney's greatest villains as they try to take over the House of Mouse. It was released on September 3, 2002.

 

2003

In 2003, Mickey also presented the award for Best Animated Short with actress Jennifer Garner.

On November 18, Mickey's 75th birthday is celebrated with a year long tour of 75 Mickey Statues painted by celebrities called "75 InspEARations".

A Merry Mickey Celebration

An hour long television special celebrating Mickey Mouse on his 75th birthday through music. It was shown on December 20, 2003. Also shown during that program was Mickey's Christmas Carol.

 

2004

The Three Musketeers

Best buddies Mickey, Donald, and Goofy are small-time janitors with big dreams of becoming Musketeers. Peg-Leg Pete, captain of the Musketeers, points out why they'll never make it, because Donald is a coward, Goofy is a dim-wit, and Mickey is short. But things change when Princess Minnie demands Musketeer bodyguards when assassins, hired by Pete so he can be king, nearly drop a safe on her. Knowing real Musketeers are too-well trained, Pete hires Mickey, Donald, and Goofy, the clumsy janitors as Musketeers and Minnie's bodyguards. Pete underestimates the little fellows though.

The first feature length movie starring Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy together.

When Disney was trying to develop a Mickey Mouse feature film in the early 1940s, one of the ideas considered was "The Three Musketeers", but it was abandoned because the original novel requires four main characters (the titular musketeers and D'Artagnan) and the filmmakers found it difficult to come up with a good combination of established characters to fill the parts. Sixty-plus years later, the problem was solved by having Mickey, Donald and Goofy not play the original Three Musketeers and thus tell a story that parallels the original but is not strictly an adaptation of it. The original Musketeers, incidentally, are the ones who saved the gang in the beginning of the film, and their autographs are in the hat they give Mickey.

Pete sports his once-trademark peg leg for the first time since the 1930s.

Mickey's first direct to video full length feature is released.

Mickey's Twice Upon A Christmas

Mickey and his friends are animated for the first time using CGI (computer generated images) giving them a realistic 3D effect. Released on November 9, 2004.

 

2005

 

 

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Here are a few of my favorite Disney & Mickey Mouse links:

The Official Disney Web Site;
Official Disney Information about theme parks, movies, resorts, Disney Store, stockholder info, etc.

 

Laughing Place.com:
International news stories, feature articles and information about Disney theme parks, events, TV, and movies.

This is a really great link!!!

Disney Beanies:
A site for Disney Beanie collector's like me, plus links to Beanie Baby and Pokemon  sites

30 Years of Disneyland Collectables

Mark Atkinson's webpage featuring 50 Years of Disneyland collectables

Yesterland
Information about extinct, but beloved rides from Disney past. This site provides a loving tribute to Disney land the way it use to be......This is a really great link, too!!!

Ron and Marie's Disney Web Page and Trivia:
A fun page for Disney-o-philes with trivia games, a message board, Disney greeting card links and a chat room.

 

Useful Trivia about Mickey Mouse

A fun trivia link page with useful Mickey Information.

Urban Reference Disney Page:
A must see for fans seeking confirmation about various urban legends and rumors involving Disney.

Walt Disney: His Life and Works:
A site dedicated to the memory of Walt Disney.

 

Disneyland: Inside and Out:

Unofficial, but informative Disneyland information 

including the new Disney's  California Adventure

The Disney Future:
Information about future planned resorts, attractions, and theme park construction. Also, upcoming video releases and a chat room .

The Bertino Disney Archives;
Disney-themed Icons, midis, ride scripts and much more.

 

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Jan as a South Park Character.

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Copyright © 2000-2008

This website is loving dedicated to

David L. Vincent

1956 to 2005

"The man who taught me everything I know about computers. I  love you, Dave!