November 14, 1927 – The Oswald the Lucky Rabbit Short Film The Ocean Hop is Released to Theaters
“$25,000 prize for first ocean hop – New York to Paris”
On November 14, 1927, the Oswald the Lucky Rabbit short film The Ocean Hop was released to theaters. It was the sixth Oswald short produced by the Disney Studio. There are several similarities to this short and the Mickey Mouse short film,
A prize is being offered for the first flight from New York to Paris, known as an “ocean hop.” Oswald is considered the dark horse entry, and shows up with a simple mechanical plane that makes lots of clanging and banging noises when turned on. Although mocked by another contestant, Oswald believes that his plan will succeed. The contestant comes up with a diabolical plan of placing gun near the wheels, keeping Oswald grounded. The race begins, and Oswald is unable to move thanks to the gum. The plane struggles, and the evil contestant is able to take the lead.
Oswald’s friends help create a new plane to help him win the contest
Oswald’s wings and propeller take off, leaving him behind. Luckily, some friends decide to stop by and help, and set up a new plane, with a dachshund as the plane’s base. Finally, Oswald is ready to win the contest. The evil contestant passes by a sign that directs people to either Paris or the North Pole, and directs everyone else to the North Pole. In the morning, the evil contestant thinks he has nothing to worry about, when he spies Oswald flying by. He takes a gun and shoots the balloons propping the plane up, and Oswald falls to the ground, saved by a parachute. When he arrives on the ground, he’s actually landed in Paris amongst a cheering crowd.
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