| "Mickey's 50" | |
|---|---|
| The Wonderful World of Disney episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 25 Episode 9 |
| Directed by |
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| Written by | Phil May |
| Featured music |
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| Original air date | November 19, 1978 |
| Running time | 90 minutes |
"Mickey's 50" is a 1978 television special honouring the 50-year anniversary of the debut of Walt Disney's animated character Mickey Mouse. [1] The show aired on NBC on November 19, 1978, one day after Mickey's official birthday, as a special 90-minute edition of The Wonderful World of Disney . [2]
This show covers the history and career of Mickey Mouse from his humble beginnings in the first Disney sound cartoon Steamboat Willie to his popularity in the 1930s, his presence on television through The Mickey Mouse Club , and his role as the official host of Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Also covered are his relationships with his co-stars, including his girlfriend Minnie Mouse and his nemesis Peg-Leg Pete, and how his success helped build Walt Disney Productions into the entertainment empire it is today.
Throughout the show, a variety of special guest stars and celebrities appear to introduce various anecdotes about Mickey's career and to wish him a happy birthday. Also shown is a three-part live-action/stop-motion short film by Mike Jittlov revolving around a man (played by Jittlov himself) who is tormented by his vast collection of Mickey merchandise. The show closes with a performance of the original song "(The Whole World Wants to Wish You) Happy Birthday Mickey Mouse".