Steamboat Willie

Steamboat Willie was released during the early days of the Great Depression, providing a much-needed source of joy and entertainment for families. The film also played a significant role in establishing the popularity of synchronized sound in animation.

• It marks the debut of Mickey Mouse, one of the most iconic characters in animation history.
• Steamboat Willie is notable for being the first synchronized-sound cartoon, featuring a musical score and sound effects.
• The film's humor and innovative techniques have stood the test of time, making it a classic in the world of animated short films.
• Mickey Mouse's personality traits were largely established in this movie, including his mischievousness and charm.

Fun Facts

• In Steamboat Willie, Mickey Mouse was originally named Mortimer Mouse before Walt Disney's wife Lillian suggested the name change.
• The original title for the film was 'Syncopated Clock', but it was changed to capitalize on the popular music craze of the time.
• A gag in the movie involves Mickey playing a banjo, which was actually played by Walt Disney himself.