Happy 80th Birthday Mickey!

Although Steamboat Willie is generally considered to the the first appearance of Mickey Mouse, he first appeared in a movie called Plane Crazy. It didn't catch the interest of the public and Mickey struggled in Hollywood waiting tables, working as a messenger, and taking any job he could find to pay the bills until he rose to stardom after being cast in Steamboat Willie.

Mickey, in his early days, was something of a player, and not the sweet, butter-wouldn't-melt-in-his-mouth mouse he evolved into over the next 80 years (doesn't he look good for his age?), thanks to careful handling by the Disney Studio and its legal team. It's my understanding that Mickey is the reason morals clauses were written into actor's contracts. I have no facts to prove that, but my other reader swears to it. 

And here is Plane Crazy, starring Mickey, Minnie and a host of their friends.

Enjoy!