Oswald the Lucky Rabbit – Tragedy or Turning Point?
Oswald the Lucky Rabbit? Heard of him? Most have not. He’s the key character of a great story. But, was it a tragedy or a historic turning point? Ready to be inspired? Read on…
He was the creation of Walt Disney and animator Ub Iwerks. By 1928, the plucky little rabbit was the most popular character on the silver screens across America. Walt and his Disney team had found success!
However, life has its surprises… During the peak of Oswald’s popularity, Walt, along with his wife Lillian, traveled to New York to renew his contract with film producer & distributor Charles Mintz of Universal Pictures.
In Mintz’ garish Fifth Avenue office, he shocked Walt with his “one and only offer” effective immediately: Walt’s advance per cartoon was to be cut from $2,250 to $1,800. Further, if that was unacceptable, Mintz would retain all rights and further production to Oswald and would do it with Disney’s own staff!
Meanwhile during this meeting, Disney animators were handing in their resignations to accept positions with Mintz’ company. With this understanding, Mintz then offered Walt the opportunity to retain the rights to Oswald if he could obtain rights to 50% of the Disney studios.
It was a hostile effort by Charles Mintz and it was a moment of truth for Walt. He had already experienced bankruptcy in his early efforts and worked hard to build up the success of Oswald. Yet, to Mintz’ surprise, Walt relinquished the rights to his own creation, thereby losing all his income, but retained ownership of his drastically diminished studio.
Walt and his wife left for their long trip home. It was a depressing journey. But, during that train ride home to Los Angeles, Walt sketched out his next character – a mouse he wanted to call Mortimer. His wife Lillian balked at the name and suggested that they change it to Mickey. Disney and Iwerks (who had chosen to stick with Walt) went on to create Mickey Mouse and Walt insisted that this time, he wouldn’t lose control of his creation and, as we say, the rest is history 🙂
So, here’s the question: Do you believe in YOURSELF and YOUR FUTURE?! You may have had many setbacks but unless you allow it, your past doesn’t need to predict your future! Let your tragedies be turning points! Learn. Grow. Regroup. Reinvent. Refocus on your future!
By the way, you may recognize the name Charles Mintz. Pixar in one of their continuing inside acknowledgments to animation history, named the villain in Up Charles Muntz. In addition, in 2006 Disney Company obtained rights once again to Oswald.
I consider this arctile one of the most thought-provoking arctiles I’ve read in some time. Your viewpoints and ideas are both unique and interesting. I’ve learned something through this information.
I had heard of this story in Walt Disney’s Autobiography; but the Oswald the Rabbit that I am thinking of was white and hung out with a Tiger named Ragland T. Tiger. As I recall he appeared on TV along with Woody Woodpecker and Andy Panda.
Oops I think that in the fifties Oswald went by the name of “Crusader Rabbit” and his sidekick was Ragland T. Tiger. Oswald wore a (Three muskatear type cape and both he and the Tiger wore a sloping hat with a long ostridge feather.) sorry for the senior moment!
It’s all good! After seeing your last comment and before this one, I admit I actually did a quick google to check myself. 🙂 Thanks for the comments!
This is a wonderful story! To sit back and think about all of the wonderful happenings that take place, either from lessons learned by mistakes made, or when perseverance is responsible for our achievements. I like to perform a self-inventory for every 5 years of my life and document it for future reference. I also do this yearly, but from a different approach. The 5 year allows for me to look at all the trials and tribulations in a positive sense. I try to look back and remember what I asked God while the events took place and see how I’ve grown from them.
The Oswald story is an excellent example of the “American Dream”
Thank you again for sharing this!
Best regards,
Geoff
Geoff you are a personal example of keeping the American Dream alive and well! What a great tip you shared about self-inventory…and personal growth.
Bottom line is you have to believe in yourself and your abilities. Walt could have easily “sold out” but he believed in himself and because of that millions and millions of people every year enjoy the benefits!!! A belief in yourself leads to confidence and when you are confident in what you are doing you can change the world…as Walt did!!!!
Thanks Chuck
Awesome story. One that I am sure I will retell.
Be Blessed
Clint
How many people “sell out” and the world never gets to enjoy their gifts? Agreed Clint! Thanks for sharing the story.
Chuck that was an awesome read! I had never heard of Oswald before and had no idea that Disney had ever lost the rights to one of his own creations. Very inspirational!
Robert, So many times we don’t realize the stuff the superstars in life have gone through. It’s always about overcoming and moving on!