Trolley Troubles (1927)

Trolley Troubles was the first Oswald the Lucky Rabbit animated short to be released in the series. Held a Los Angeles, California premiere on July 4, 1927, at the Criterion Theatre along with Flesh and the Devil (MGM). Held a New York City, New York premiere on July 15, 1927, at the Roxy Theatre with Singed (Fox). Generally released in theaters on September 5, 1927. Produced for Winkler Pictures by Walt Disney Studios and distributed by Universal Pictures Corporation.

Although it was the first in the Oswald the Lucky Rabbit animated short series to be released, it was not the first to be produced, Poor Papa was supposed to be the first Oswald short released but when it was sent to the distributor, Universal Pictures, they were not satisfied with the final product. The film would be released on June 11, 1928. 

In Trolley Troubles Oswald is operating a trolley. He comes across a stubborn cow who refuses to move off the tracks. After he makes it past the cow he has troubles with a hill until he uses the help of a goat. Once over the hill the trolley goes out of control and Oswald has to try and get it under control. 

Trolley Troubles was reissued by Winkler Pictures on November 23, 1931 with an added soundtrack.

Cast and Crew

Director: Walt Disney (uncredited). Producer: Carl Laemmle (Executive Producer, uncredited), Charles Mintz (uncredited), George Winkler (uncredited). Writer: Walt Disney (uncredited). Editor: George Lowerre (uncredited). Camera and Electrical Department: Mike Marcus (Camera Operator, uncredited). Animators: Norm Blackburn (uncredited), Les Clark (uncredited), Ben Clopton (uncredited), Friz Freleng (uncredited), Rollin Hamilton, Hugh Harman (uncredited), Ub Iwerks (uncredited).  

Technical Specs

Running Time: 5.46. Color Type: Black & White. Sound: Silent. Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1.

A restored version of the short was released on Disney+ on September 7, 2023, as part of Disney's 100th Anniversary. 

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