While many associate Mickey Mouse with the iconic “Steamboat Willie,” the character actually debuted a few months earlier. Mickey’s first film appearance came on May 15th, 1928, in a silent cartoon titled “Plane Crazy.” Though commercially unsuccessful due to a lack of sound, “Plane Crazy” marked the birth of Mickey Mouse, then known simply as Mortimer Mouse. The animation showcased Mickey’s adventurous spirit as he attempted (and failed) to build a plane to impress Minnie, who was also introduced in this short film. However, “Plane Crazy” was ultimately shelved in favour of another cartoon featuring Mickey, “Steamboat Willie,” which became his official debut due to its groundbreaking use of synchronised sound.
