We’re thrilled to announce the release of a restored version of the classic Disney cartoon “Trolley Trouble” with a brand new soundtrack! This 1927 animated short features Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. Created by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks, Oswald premiered to the world in this cartoon, and went on to appear in dozens of cartoons before ultimately being replaced by Mickey Mouse.
Here are some fun facts about Oswald and the early days of Disney animation:
- Oswald was one of the first animated characters to have a consistent personality and backstory. He was known for his mischievous nature and his penchant for getting into trouble.
- When Walt Disney lost the rights to Oswald, he was devastated. But he didn’t give up on animation, and instead went on to create a new character named Mickey Mouse, who would go on to become one of the most iconic animated characters of all time.
- Oswald was eventually purchased by Universal Studios, and continued to appear in cartoons well into the 1930s.
- In recent years, Oswald has made a comeback of sorts. He was featured in the popular video game “Epic Mickey” and has been embraced by Disney fans as a beloved character in his own right.
While not as well known as Walt Disney, Ub Iwerks was a key figure in the early days of Disney animation, and played a major role in the creation of both Mickey Mouse and Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. He worked closely with Walt Disney in the 1920s and 1930s, serving as a chief animator and helping to develop the distinctive Disney animation style. In fact, Iwerks was the one who actually designed Mickey Mouse, creating the character’s iconic round ears and white gloves.
However, Iwerks’ relationship with Disney was not always smooth sailing. When Disney lost the rights to Oswald in the late 1920s, Iwerks found himself caught in the middle. He was one of the few animators who remained loyal to Disney during this difficult time, but he also recognized the potential of working with the popular Oswald character. Ultimately, Iwerks left Disney in 1930 to start his own animation studio, where he continued to work on Oswald cartoons. While Iwerks’ solo efforts were not as successful as those of Disney, he remained a respected figure in the animation industry and continued to work on various projects throughout his career.
Despite being overshadowed by Mickey Mouse, Oswald has remained a beloved character, and it’s exciting to see his first released appearance, “Trolley Trouble”, restored to its full glory. The restoration of “Trolley Trouble” was a labor of love, and we’re proud to have been a part of it. We’ve enhanced the picture quality to give viewers the clearest and most vibrant picture possible, while the new soundtrack adds excitement and energy to the already thrilling rampage on rails.
“Trolley Trouble” is a prime example of the early days of Disney animation, and we’re excited to share it. So if you’re looking to dive into the history of animation, head over to our independent streaming service, New Ellijay Television, and check out “Trolley Trouble” with its brand new restoration and soundtrack. And while you’re there, be sure to explore the other classic cartoons available for streaming.
