American Experience

Mickey Mouse's Big Break

Clip: Season 27 Episode 8 | 2m 56s

The premiere of "Steamboat Willie" blows audiences away with its innovative use of sound. Mickey Mouse soon becomes a phenomenon. "Walt Disney" premieres September 14 and 15 on PBS American Experience.

Aired: 09/14/15

Rating: NR

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More Extras

Walt Disney, Part One
"Walt Disney" premieres September 14 & 15, 2015 at 9/8c.
Walt Disney
The complete biography of Walt Disney, premiering September 2015 on American Experience.
Walt Disney, Extended Preview
Walt Disney premieres September 14 & 15, 2015 9/8c. on PBS American Experience.
Visitors to Disneyland
Disneyland became a top destination for foreign dignitaries. Premieres 9/14 & 9/15 on PBS.
Walt Disney Preview
An unprecedented look at the life and legacy of Walt Disney. Premieres 9/14 & 9/15 on PBS.
Why we Made "Walt Disney"
"The challenge is, Disney is both a person and a brand." Premieres Sep. 14 & 15 on PBS
Finding Rare Archival Footage
Assoc. Producer Matt Gavin tracked down rare archival footage for "Walt Disney."
Interview: Working for Walt Disney
Composer Richard Sherman recalls working with Walt Disney. Premieres Sep. 14 & 15 on PBS
Interview: Snow White as the Ideal 1930s Woman
Snow White was a reflection of American women during the 1930s. Premieres Sep. 14 & 15.
Interview: Walt Disney the Storyteller
Animator Floyd Norman shares his experiences working for Walt Disney. Premieres 9/14 & 15
The Story of "Dumbo"
Watch an original interview with writer, Ron Suskind about "Dumbo." Premieres 9/14 & 9/15
Interview: Walt Disney's America
Media historian Susan Douglas explores Walt Disney's version of America. Coming Sep. 14/15
Interview: Musical Storytelling
Don Hahn discusses Walt Disney's use of music in his films. Premieres Sep. 14 & 15 at 9/8c
Walt Disney Series Preview
An unprecedented look at the life and legacy of Walt Disney. Premieres Sep. 14 & 15.
The Creation of Mickey Mouse
In the late 1920s, Walt Disney Studios created a new animated star. Premieres 9/14 & 9/15
Working at Walt Disney Studios
Walt Disney viewed his studio as a community. Premieres Sep. 14 & 15 on PBS.
Walt Disney Part 1, Chapter 1
The first chapter of Part 1 of "Walt Disney." Premiering Sep. 14 & 15 at 9/8c on PBS.
Walt Disney Part 2, Chapter 1
The first chapter in Part 2 of "Walt Disney." Premiering Sep. 14 & 15 at 9/8c on PBS.
Walt Disney's Hometown
To Walt Disney, Marceline, Missouri would always be home. Premieres Sep. 14 & 15 on PBS.
Walt Disney's Public Vs. Private Persona
Walt Disney recognized that he was different than his public persona. Premieres 9/14 & 15
The "Fearless Filmmaking" of "Bambi"
Everyone remembers Walt Disney's "Bambi" for that one traumatic scene. Premieres 9/14 & 15
Walt Disney's First Failure
Walt Disney struggles to save his Laugh-O-grams company. Premieres 9/14 & 9/15 on PBS.
Pitching "Snow White"
Walt Disney shares his next big idea with his staff. Premieres Sep. 14 & 15 on PBS.
Walt Disney's Big Gamble: "Snow White"
Walt Disney proposes something that had never been done before. Premieres Sep. 14 & 15.

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