Ben and Me
When originally released to theaters, this 21-minute cartoon short was double billed with the Walt Disney film The Living Desert (1953) as a 90-minute package deal. This and "The Living Desert" were the first to be released by Buena Vista. RKO continued to distribute Disney's cartoons until 1956. RKO shut down in 1957.,Amos tells of the Mayflower sea voyage (1620) and then segues into the life of painter Hans Holbein (died 1543), but doesn't tell the viewer that these scenes are out of order.,[after Amos is nearly killed during the kite experiment]
Ben Franklin: Amos, speak to me. Was it electricity?
Amos Mouse: Was it electricity?
[shouting, with lightning coming out of his mouth]
Amos Mouse: WAS IT ELECTRICITY? Goodbye! Goodbye, and forever!,Edited into The Magical World of Disney: The Liberty Story (1957),I have always loved films (animated and live action) and theatrical shorts based on books. This is one of my favourite literary shorts from my childhood because I've watched it a bunch of times as a kid; I've even read the book too.

This short has a great cast, featuring Sterling Holloway as Amos Mouse/Narrator, Charles Ruggles as Benjamin Franklin, and Hans Conried as Thomas Jefferson. I love the talents of Hans. I also love why they joined old paintings and the animated characters in the backgrounds-excellent work! I recommend this short to those who like literary shorts and films like me.,