On February 21, 2018 Theme Park Press released my first book: ‘Mickey’s Movies – The Theatrical Films of Mickey Mouse‘.
In this book I discuss every theatrical film Mickey has made, more or less in the same line as in this blog, but in much more detail, with expanded and more entries in strict chronological order. Moreover, I describe Mickey’s rise and fall, and how he changed through the years. And of course, the birth and evolution of Pluto, Goofy and Donald are discussed, too, as long as they take place inside Mickey’s movie career. Because I’m looking beyond the regular trio of Steamboat Willie, The Band Concert and The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, I’ll show that much of Disney’s innovations can be followed inside Mickey’s films, and that Mickey’s film career has its own unique story to tell.
This is the advertorial by Theme Park Press:
In this definitive book about the cinematic career of Mickey Mouse, animation historian Gijs Grob analyzes each of Mickey’s theatrical films, in chronological order, with introductory essays, plot summaries, and notes about the talented creatives who brought Mickey to the silver screen.
Grob divides Mickey’s filmography into seven parts, beginning with his first primitive efforts in 1928 and continuing through Get a Horse! in 2013, with substantial sections about Mickey’s “barnyard” years, the introduction of his friends and rivals, and his “settling down” to cartoon prosperity, as Goofy, Pluto, and Donald eclipse his fame.
The book also includes a look at Mickey’s “doppelgangers,” the little-remembered Foxy, Milton, and Rita; a list of Mickey’s Academy Award nominations; comprehensive “show notes” that include release dates and the names of the animators, storymen, layout artists, musicians, directors, and others who created each Mickey film; and extensive notes and index.
Throughout, Grob stays opinionated, pointing out flaws where he finds them, and not letting Mickey (or Disney) off the hook for a poor performance.
Disney historian Didier Ghez writes on his blog Disney History:
“I absolutely love this book. Gijs discusses all of Mickey’s shorts and his insights are absolutely fascinating. To be read in small installments. A “must have” for Mickey enthusiasts.”
You can buy the book on amazon. There is both a paperback and a Kindle edition. I hope you’ll enjoy it! And if you’ve already grabbed a copy: 1) thanks! and 2) I’d love it if you could review the book on Amazon.
Dr. Grob's Animation Review 