The Walt Disney Company and starred in several Disney produced films. Ub Iwerks refined Disney's initial design of Mickey Mouse. Disney's first sound film "Steamboat Willie", a cartoon starring Mickey, was released on November 18, 1928 through Pat Powers' distribution company. It was the first Mickey Mouse sound cartoon released, but the third to be created, behind "Plane Crazy" and "The Gallopin' Gaucho". "Steamboat Willie" was an immediate smash hit, and its initial success was attributed not just to Mickey's appeal as a character, but to the fact that it was the first cartoon to feature synchronized sound. Disney used Pat Powers' Cinephone system,
Timeline of The Walt Disney Company Timeline of The Walt Disney Company This is a timeline of The Walt Disney Company, listing notable business events for the organization. The Walt Disney Company was founded in 1923, and found much success under Walt Disney's leadership through his death in 1966. After Walt Disney's death in 1966, the company began a slow decline with no clear direction, which culminated in an unsuccessful greenmail attempt to buy the company from current shareholders. Michael Eisner (from Paramount Pictures) is hired to be the new CEO, along with Frank Wells (from Warner Bros.) as president. They bring leadership vision and place