The Idea of a Mouse: 83 Years of Mickey
Julie
While traveling by train from New York to California after loosing the rights to Oswald, the Lucky Rabbit, Walt Disney began toying with the idea of a mouse. At first, Disney called the mouse Mortimer, but his wife, Lillian, convinced him to change the name to Mickey because it sounded cuter. Then, on November 18, 1928, at the Colony Theater in New York, Mickey Mouse whistled his way onto the screen in the cartoon short Steamboat Willie. And 83 years later, we are still enamored with the simple idea of a mouse. So, to celebrate Mickey’s birthday, I’ve gathered up some fun facts about the world’s favorite mouse.
Did you know…?
- Two Buster Keaton films, The Navigator (1924) and Steamboat Bill Jr. (1928) provided the inspiration for Steamboat Willie.
- Animator Ub Iwerks completed Steamboat Willie as a silent film. Sound was post-synchronized to match the action.
- Although Steamboat Willie had sound, Mickey did not utter his first word until The Karnival Kid (1929). Walt Disney himself played Mickey’s voice.
- The first item of merchandise to feature Mickey Mouse was a child’s school tablet in 1929.
- After Emperor Hirohito of Japan received a Mickey Mouse watch while visiting Disneyland in 1978, he wore the watch on his wrist everywhere he went. One day when the watch stopped ticking, he called in Japan’s finest jewelers to solve the problem. The result was one new battery and a very happy emperor.
- The first Mickey Mouse comic strip was published on January 13, 1930.
- Although Mickey has only starred in a few of Disney’s full length feature presentations – Fantasia (1940), Fun and Fancy Free (1947), and Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) – he has found a way to sneak into several others, such as The Rescuers (1977), The Little Mermaid (1989), and 101 Dalmatians (1961). Can you find where he is hiding in those movies – perhaps do you know of other Disney movies where Mickey has found a way to make a cameo? Put your Disney trivia knowledge to the test and submit your answers in the comments below.
So today, in celebration of our favorite mouse, and because it's Friday (who doesn't love Fridays?!), we're giving away some fun HPB prizes – including an HPB Gift Card, reusable tote bag and a coveted HPB T-shirt. Make a comment below telling us who is your favorite Disney character. Three (3) winners will be randomly selected at 3:00 pm CST on Friday, November 18. Ready, set, go!
Happy Birthday, Mickey!
-- Julie
UPDATE: Congratulations to our 3 winners – Nick Spacek and his adoration of Kronk from Emperor's New Groove (you've won an HPB Gift Card), Veronica Deslauriers and her poem praising our feathered friend Donald Duck (you've won a reusable tote bag), and Shellie and her vote for the birthday boy himself, Mickey Mouse (you've won an HPB T-shirt)! To claim your prize, please email besocial@hpb.com with "Mickey" in the subject line. This giveaway is now closed. Thanks to everyone who participated. Stay tuned to the Half Price Blog for more news, reviews and free goodies.
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Reader Comments (75)
My favorite has to be the Main Mouse Man himself Mickey. He never ages : )
Goofy. He's just too funny and endearing. OH that laugh.
One favorite character? That's a tough one. They're all loveable! My vote is split between Dumbo and Pluto.
Tod from Fox and the Hound!
My favorite Disney character has been and always will be Mickey Mouse! Growing up I had Mickey books, lamps, stuffed animals, posters, pictures, etc....
It's Mickey Mouse of course!! :) Happy Brithday to him!
XO
Twitter follower @SS_Dal
My personal favorite Disney animated film is The Jungle Book (Walt's last), and my favorite character is Baloo (and has been since I was 10)!
Mickey Mouse! I also love the little mouse Gus from Cinderella.
Kronk, from the Emperor's New Groove. Patrick Warburton rules all.
My favorite has always been, Ariel. I'm a red head, it's a shoe in. ;)
It's hard to pick just 1 Disney character, but I guess my favorite would have to be Eeyore. He's a little sad, but so lovable!
All time favorite is Mickey Mouse!!! But a new recent favorite is Tinker Bell. I can't get enough of her movies <3
I always hate that question because it is nearly impossible to choose! I guess I would have to go with Pluto. He is one of the most realistic characters and he was the one that started my love of dogs and why I work in animal rescue today!
My favorite always has been and always will be Maleficent. I love the villains!
My favorite character is Goofy.
Sorry Mickey, but my favorite is Donald Duck. Happy Birthday!!
I absolutely love Ariel. I always wanted her long, red hair. And for a whole month after watching The Little Mermaid the first time, I drove my mom nuts trying to comb my hair with a fork. :-)
Donald Duck!
Dodger from Oliver & Company
C'mon people, the favorite and best character is Goofy. His shorts are hilarious. Especially any time he was trying to learn anything. I still think of him when I get angry whilst driving.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZAZ_xu0DCg
Rapunzel from Tangled.
My favorite Disney character is and has always been Eeyore. I think bc he is so depressed all the time, and you just want to cuddle him and make him feel better.
My favorite will forever be Figment from the Epcot attraction "Journey Into Imagination." Adorable purple dragon who can do anything! What's not to love?
I love Mufasa (reminds me of my own dad) And who can forget Rafiki!
I went through a months-long phase when I was little where I would answer to nothing but Cinderella. I'd still have to say she's my favorite, although I do love Mickey. I remember in fifth grade, I had white leggins with Mickey's head printed all over them and a red Mickey jacket. I thought they were awesome. Unfortunately, I no longer have the same keen fashion sense. ;)