Mickey Mouse Theater On The Air

I heard on the radio that it was Mickey Mouse's 80th Birthday on the 18th November so I thought to myself what better way to celebrate than to add Mickey Mouse Theater of the Air to RUSC.

Imagine tuning in to hear old Walt Disney himself host a radio show each week. From Jan 2nd - May 21st, 1938 ten years after he first appeared in animation form in Steamboat Willie on the silver screen, listeners could do just that every Sunday on NBC radio. Walt Disney hosted Mickey Mouse Theater of the Air and he also lent his voice to the character of Mickey Mouse.  

Mickey Mouse Theater of the Air was produced from the Little Disney Theater on the RKO studio lot and sponsored by Pepsodent toothpaste.

The show was created as a way to publicize the movie Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs just before it was released. This was the first full-length feature animation film that Disney produced. Of course it was just the beginning of what would become a film legacy.  

Among the regular cast of characters were Disney’s famous animated characters such as Donald Duck, Goofy, Minnie Mouse and, of course, Mickey Mouse. In addition, the Seven Dwarves could be heard from either separate or together each episode.

The music was created by Felix Mills who had the task of turning animated stories into radio versions. His music did just that by using some odd “instruments” such as a meat-grinder and bazooka. These lent a real cartoon feel to the soundtrack. Children enjoyed listening to Donald Duck’s Webfoot Sextet using these fun instruments.

Of course the film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was wildly successful suggesting that the radio show did its publicity job very well. The show was short-lived after its purpose was served.

While Disney’s radio show didn’t last for very long, it was the beginning of variety shows that would be produced by Disney. No one can forget the Mickey Mouse Club, another children’s variety show that has enjoyed a long run. And there’s no end to the animated creations that are produced by Disney even today.

This little show that aired for just a few months helped to build Walt Disney’s legacy by promoting the first animated film created by his company. So, while it didn’t last long it had a big impact on Disney’s success.

Happy listening my friends,