Original release date: November 1, 1940

Rating: TV-G. “It may contain outdated cultural depictions.”

Length: eight sneaky minutes

Background: After a somewhat quiet year for the big cheese, Mickey returned to the screen with “Mr. Mouse Takes a Trip.”

There’s a fascinating footnote to this short that was only recently discovered in the last few decades despite the short nearing its 80th birthday. As he did for Mickey shorts at the time, Walt Disney himself provided the voice of Mickey.

However, film exists of the entire voiceover session for this film. It’s the only known footage of Walt performing as Mickey. It hasn’t been seen often, but was included as a bonus feature for the DVD version of “Fun and Fancy Free.”

Review:

We start in Burbank at the train station, Mickey whistling happily and awaiting his train ride. Pluto is nearby with his suitcase packed as well, ready to take a ride.

As they board, Conductor Pete throws them right back off. “No dogs allowed!”

Mickey crams Pluto into the suitcase, which appears to have been otherwise empty. Travelling light, Mouse. They hop on the train and Pluto, understandably, is not happy in the suitcase. Mickey sneaks him out in a fun visual sequence.

Pete comes through asking for tickets, which I’d think you would do before you took off but I’m no train guy. Pluto is back in the suitcase, which Pete puts up in the overhead compartment.

A chase eventually ensues, with Mickey and Pluto finding a way to hide before being caught. They run again, leaving Pete punching a mattress. Who is actually running this train, anyway?

We eventually hit a point where Mickey is dressed like a Native American, which would fall under that “outdated cultural depictions” category. It doesn’t last long, and Pluto ends up outside of the train. Mickey jumps out after him and, well, Pete wins. Mickey and Pluto win too though, being thrown right at the train station they needed. Everyone is a winner!

Extras:

Nothing.

Should you watch it?

Sure, watch it. It’s a funny short and a good show of the play between Mickey and Pete.