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Today in History: Mickey and Minnie debut in “Plane Crazy”

5/15/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On May 15 1928, Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks screened the silent short *Plane Crazy*, the first completed cartoon to feature Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Though it failed to secure a distributor, the film marked the characters’ debut and later entered sound release in 1929, paving the way for Disney’s breakthrough with *Steamboat Willie*.

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Story summary

On May 15 1928, Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks screened the silent short *Plane Crazy*, the first completed cartoon to feature Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Though it failed to secure a distributor, the film marked the characters’ debut and later entered sound release in 1929, paving the way for Disney’s breakthrough with *Steamboat Willie*.