Ben and Me videotape cover.
Ben and Me was a two-reel short subject produced by Disney and released theatrically on November 10, 1953. It was adapted from the children's book written by author/illustrator Robert Lawson and first published in 1939. Though both book and film deal with the relationship between a mouse and Benjamin Franklin, the book, with illustrations by Lawson, focused more heavily on actual historical events and personages. The short received an Academy Award nomination for Best Short Subject.
Plot summary[]
| Spoiler Warning: The following contains important plot details of the entire film. |
Framed by a tour group visiting a statue of Ben Franklin, the story reveals the contributions of a mices, Amos, Jaq and Gus to Franklin's career. Narrated by Amos, through his memoirs, the mouse recalls how he first met and befriended Benjamin Franklin, eventually aiding in his publishing, inventions, and political career. Amongst Amos' contributions were bifocals, inspiring Franklin to build the stove, and changing the format of Poor Richard's Almanac to an event-oriented newspaper. After Ben's experiments with electricity endanger Amos' life, Amos, Jaq, Gus and Franklin part ways, finally reuniting in the midst of the American Revolution, and assisting Thomas Jefferson with the invention of the Declaration of Independence.
Spoilers end here.
Voices[]
- Amos Mouse: Sterling Holloway
- Jaq and Gus: Jimmy MacDonald
- Benjamin Franklin: Charles Ruggles
- Lucifer: June Foray
- Thomas Jefferson, Others: Hans Conried
- Other voices: Bill Thompson, Stan Freberg