Everyone has heard about Disney's "Steamboat Willie", the first ever cartoon with sound, right? Mickey Mouse on a boat, whistling...

Wrong. The first sound cartoon preceded Disney by two years. It was "My Old Kentucky Home", and was created by Max Fleischer.

Fleischer, a Polish-born Jew, was an animation pioneer. He invented the rotoscope, which allowed animators to trace over footage. He brought Betty Boop, Popeye, and Superman onto the screen. And, yes, he also created the first cartoon talkie.

In fact, for a long time, Fleischer's stature eclipsed Disney's. But his contract with Paramount and that company's struggles paused his prowess, and Disney sneaked ahead. After "Snow White" was released, Fleischer was left in the dust.

But just to think, if Fleischer kept his early lead, kids might be clamoring to go to Fleischerworld.

Perhaps it's for the best...