On November 18, 1928, Walt Disney's iconic animated character Mickey Mouse made his debut in the short film "Steamboat Willie" at the Colony Theater in New York City. This groundbreaking black-and-white cartoon, directed by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks, was the first fully synchronized sound cartoon, featuring music and sound effects perfectly timed with the animation.

The story follows the mischievous Mickey Mouse, who is working as a deckhand on a steamboat under the command of the ill-tempered Captain Pete. Throughout the film, Mickey engages in various antics, such as playing music with various animals and objects on the boat, much to the annoyance of Captain Pete.

"Steamboat Willie" was a technological marvel for its time, showcasing the innovative use of synchronized sound in animation. Walt Disney's team used a click track to keep the music and sound effects in perfect sync with the hand-drawn animation, creating a more immersive and entertaining experience for the audience.

The success of "Steamboat Willie" launched Mickey Mouse into stardom, making him a beloved household name and a symbol of the Walt Disney Company. The character's popularity led to numerous other animated shorts, feature films, and merchandise, cementing Mickey's status as a cultural icon.

Interestingly, while "Steamboat Willie" is often cited as Mickey Mouse's debut, the character had actually appeared in two earlier silent films, "Plane Crazy" and "The Gallopin' Gaucho," both released earlier in 1928. However, it was the success of "Steamboat Willie" that truly catapulted Mickey Mouse to fame and established him as a cornerstone of the Walt Disney empire.