In May 1928, Disney produced his first silent cartoon short, Plane Crazy, starring his new anthropomorphic character, Mickey Mouse. The cartoon was not well received by the studio, so it was put aside. Six months later, Mickey Mouse finally made his public debut in the black-and-white film short Steamboat Willie.
The premiere of Steamboat Willie marked a breakthrough moment in animation history not just for the character, but for the introduction of sound. The film lasted a mere seven minutes and the plot was simple. Mickey is a deckhand on a steamship who causes trouble and chaos for the Captain. Minnie Mouse makes her debut when Mickey plucks her off the riverbank with a crane and drops her on the boat. Using makeshift instruments found aboard, such as garbage cans, pots and pans, barrels, and washboards, Mickey serenades his sweetheart, Minnie.
The cartoon’s major innovation was synchronized sound—something we now take for granted. For the first time the soundtrack corresponded to the actions on the screen with the characters acting in cue with the voices and music. The music for the cartoon was provided by a 17-piece orchestra, including a harmonica player and three sound-effects men. While we cannot be certain, most of the animation was probably done by Iwerks, under the close supervision of Disney, who voiced all the characters. Steamboat Willie was a sensation after its premiere in New York City, and Mickey began to achieve worldwide recognition. Today, his likeness is one of the most widely used images for products and advertisements.
Over the years, Mickey Mouse has gone through several transformations to his physical appearance and personality. In his early years, the impish and mischievous Mickey looked more rat-like, with a long pointy nose, black eyes, a smallish body with spindly legs and a long tail. Parents wrote in expressing dismay at Mickey’s antics in the cartoons and complained that Mickey was no role model for children. Fred Moore, a Disney animator stepped in to refine Mickey’s physical image and his character. The change was gradual but significant; Mickey’s eyes were enlarged and pupils were added to make him more expressive and life like. His ears became rounder and more pronounced, his nose was shortened, and his physique took on a short, stocky build—more youthful and childlike. More importantly, Mickey dropped his insolent attitude and became a happy, funny, polite, and kindhearted mouse—a much more acceptable role model for his biggest fans: children. The rest is history. Today, Mickey Mouse is a universal and much-loved figure that is the heart and soul of the Disney organization.
Credit : National Museum of American History
Picture Credit : Google
