The Steeplechase (1933)

Mickey is set to ride Thunderbolt in the big race; his owner, the Colonel, has bet everything. But the stable-hands goof off and incapacitate the horse. In desperation, Mickey rents a horse... See full summary »

Director:

Burt Gillett

Stars:

Walt Disney, Marcellite Garner, Pinto Colvig

Cast

Credited cast:
Walt Disney	...	Mickey Mouse (voice)
Marcellite Garner	...	Minnie Mouse (voice)

Storyline

Mickey is set to ride Thunderbolt in the big race; his owner, the Colonel, has bet everything. But the stable-hands goof off and incapacitate the horse. In desperation, Mickey rents a horse costume and puts the stable-hands inside. They manage to eventually clear the hurdles, but get hung up on one near a beehive; the bees propel them to victory.

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Plot Keywords:

horse | costume | bee | cartoon bee | insect | 

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Genres:

Animation | Family | Short

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

30 September 1933 (USA)

Also Known As:

La carrera de obstáculos

Company Credits

Production Co:

Walt Disney Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

6 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

User Reviews

Good but not great, has some interesting moments

A vast majority of the Disney shorts are well worth watching, The Steeplechase is no exception. It is not one of the great ones, but it is still good. The pace may lack the energy of the Goofy sports-themed shorts, though it is still involving, and part of me did wish that we saw more of the Colonel. What was interesting to me were two things, the character designs of the stable boys which were like thinner versions of the Beagle boys and Mickey not considering it wrong to cheat to win- something that may throw some people off but one that worked within the short's concept. The story is simple in written quality but more complex than the Mickey rescues Minnie concept, and while the gags are not ingenious they are still very funny such as the horse going under hurdles and throwing Mickey over, the horse waddling into a pond and getting attacked by bees and the costume horse getting tangled up and getting stung repeatedly. The animation is very nice, the backgrounds are luscious and the character designs of the horses are very well done. The music and sound effects have always been an integral part of Disney shorts and with its lively character and orchestration The Steeplechase is no exception. Mickey is very likable as ever, and while not in much I couldn't help feeling for the Colonel. Overall, has some very interesting moments and it is a good short if not one of my favourites. 8/10 Bethany Cox