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.-1... -1... The Walt Disney Company (most commonly known as Disney) (NYSE: DIS) is one of the largest media and entertainment corporations in the world. ... November 10 is the 314th day of the year (315th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 51 days remaining. ... 1953 (MCMLIII) was a common year starting on Thursday (link is to a full 1953 calendar). ... Basic Characteristics There is some debate as to what constitutes childrens literature. ... Robert Lawson (born October 4, 1892 in New York City - died 1957) was an author and commercial artist. ... 1939 (MCMXXXIX) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will take you to calendar). ... Benjamin Franklin by Jean-Baptiste Greuze 1777 Benjamin Franklin (January 17 [O.S. January 6] 1706 – April 17, 1790) was one of the most prominent of the Founders and early political figures and statesmen of the United States. ... Academy Awards The Academy Awards, popularly known as the Oscars, are the most prominent film awards in the United States and most watched awards ceremony in the world. ...

Plot

Framed by a tour group visiting a statue of Ben Franklin, the story reveals the contributions of a mouse, Amos, 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. Frustrated by Ben's experiments with electricity, however, eventually endangering his life, Amos 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. Bifocals are eyeglasses that have corrective lenses containing two different lens powers. ... Poor Richards Almanac (sometimes Almanack) was a yearly almanac published by Benjamin Franklin, who adopted the pseudonym of Poor Richard or Richard Saunders for the purpose of this work in the title. ... The American Revolution was a revolution that ended two centuries of rule in Thirteen Colonies of North America by the British Empire and created the modern United States of America. ... Thomas Jefferson (April 13, 1743 N.S. – July 4, 1826) was the third President of the United States (1801–1809), principal author of the Declaration of Independence (1776), and one of the most influential Founding Fathers of the United States. ... A declaration of independence is a proclamation of the independence of an aspiring state or states. ...

Voices

• Amos Mouse: Sterling Holloway
• Benjamin Franklin: Charles Ruggles
• Thomas Jefferson, Others: Hans Conried
• Other voices: Bill Thompson, Stan Freberg