'Mickey: The Story of a Mouse' streams on Disney+
Category: Television and Streaming
The new documentary streaming on Disney+, Mickey: The Story of a Mouse, traces the evolution of the famous character from his inception to where he is today. Walt Disney built his empire beginning with Mickey and he always reminded people “It all began with a mouse.”
Mickey is a beloved character that has grown and changed with the world, yet he always remained the beacon of joy and love and innocence he was when Walt first imagined him while on a train heading to California. His initial success of Oswald the rabbit had to be jettisoned by Walt due to the fact he was not the owner of the character, even though it was his. So, when Mickey came to light, Walt did things differently and made sure the mouse was truly owned by the Disney Company and no one else. As a matter of fact, the little fellow is trademarked so it is illegal to use his likeness unless allowed by the company.
Mickey’s first film, Steamboat Willie, was a major step forward for Disney. By combining audio with the animation, he began the empire we know today.
As the country changed, so did the Disney Company and Mickey Mouse. The depression affected everyone including the animated characters. But Mickey and his friends managed to bring joy and hope to kids who could only afford a ticket to the movies. Lifting spirits is what Mickey does so well. Just watch kids run to him in Disneyland. He is the symbol of youth, love, happiness, wonder, and innocence.
World War II was another time when Mickey and his pals had to change to boost the spirits of the country. They all supported the war bonds effort, rationing, and helping the armed forces. Mickey became a symbol of the United States and was ultimately banned from Germany and Japan, who were enemies of the U.S.A. during the war.
Through drawings by animators, a look at the ink and paint process, the various shapes Mickey has taken over the years, and the history of his character as well as his friends, this documentary provides a well-rounded look at how one little mouse has captured the hearts and imaginations all around the world.
The corporate symbol of the Walt Disney Company as well as the icon of happiness and joy, Mickey Mouse continues to be a beloved character. And rightly so. He is loveable, funny, sometimes a little clumsy, but always enjoyable.
Today the Walt Disney Company is huge. But as Walt himself said, “I only hope we never lose sight of one thing — that it was all started by a mouse.”
This documentary is rated TV-PG V
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 25 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA. Follow her on Twitter.
Courtesy photo