The Hand Behind the Mouse: The Ub Iwerks Story (1999)

A look at the life of animation innovator Ub Iwerks, creator of the Mickey Mouse character. Iwerks' contribution to the history of animation and film is examined through interviews with fellow animators Chuck Jones and film historian Leonard Maltin. Born to a poor family in Kansas City, Iwerks met collaborator Walt Disney at 18, and eventually moved to California to work for Disney's new movie studio. After creating Disney's first hit character, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, Iwerks came up with Mickey Mouse and the "Silly Symphonies" series. Falling out with Disney, Iwerks worked independetly for several years, before returning to the company late in his life. In addition to the many characters Iwerks created, he was also a technical pioneer, helping to develop new cameras and photographic processes for animated films.