In the early summer of 1927, Walt Disney finished the first Oswald cartoon, entitled Poor Papa, but Universal was not very satisfied. They had expected a more Charlie Chaplin-like character and thought Oswald was too elderly and too fat. Disney agreed to make some changes and the cartoon was not released in theatres at the time. It is possible that the film was inspired by The Toonerville Trolley (1920) short film based on the Toonerville Folks newspaper cartoon.[3]
Instead, Oswald's second-produced cartoon was submitted for release: Trolley Troubles. Universal was pleased and the short was released by Universal on September 5, 1927.
The press loved the new cartoon series Walt made and Oswald became a popular character. From then on, a new cartoon was released every two weeks.
As for Poor Papa, it was released eventually in theatres, although Universal held it back until 1928. In total, nine Oswald cartoons were released in 1927.
The cartoon was reissued on November 23, 1931, after Walter Lantz Productions took over the Oswald series. This re-release was completed with music and sound effects.
The copyright for Trolley Troubles expired in 1955.[4]
Plot
The short film.
Oswald is preparing a trolley to transport his bunny kids and other animal characters, but there are some obstacles. The first is Clarabelle Cow who walks onto the tracks and refuses to move until Oswald drives the trolley underneath her. Oswald thinks that all is well until the hill gets steep. Oswald uses a goat to get the trolley up the hill, then down the hill.
The trolley unexpectedly goes onto a bumpy road, tossing the kids out of the trolley. Oswald prays that he will live, takes off his foot, kisses it and rubs it on his head (as per the saying that a rabbit's foot gives a good luck). Eventually, the trolley crashes into a river and becomes a raft. Oswald uses a big stick to row it downstream.
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