comprising a 16mm double perforated celluloid acetate positive print, silent, probably dating from around its distribution date of late 20s/early 30s, total running time 5 minutes, 21 seconds and 2 frames at a running speed of 24 frames per second.
The character of Oswald was created by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks for a series of cartoons introduced in 1927. After Disney's "Alice Comedies" were finished, Disney signed a contract with Universal Studios to produce a new series for George Winkler and Charles Mintz. The first production featuring Oswald, "Poor Papa," was rejected by Universal as the production and look of Oswald was deemed unsatisfactory. The second, "Trolley Troubles," with a younger-looking Oswald, effectively began the series and it became a great success, with Walt Disney overseeing some twenty six titles. "Hungry Hobos" was released in May 1928 and is one of a number of the series that has been described as "lost."
In 1928 Disney approached Mintz for a budget increase but Mintz countered with a demand for a cut, stating that he had already negotiated with most of Disney's then employees to sign a revised contract. Disney refused Mintz's demand and disassociated himself from the Oswald series. Iwerks and several others stuck with Disney and it was during this period that Disney and Iwerks produced the character of Mickey Mouse - a slightly altered Oswald - the most iconic of Disney's creations.
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