The Milky Way
Synopsis
The three little kittens have lost their mittens and are sent to bed without dinner. From their room, they see the Milky Way and sail up to it, using a basket and helium balloons, passing through some fanciful astronomical bodies, until they reach a Milky Way filled with every conceivable form of milk.
Top Cast
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Release History & Theatrical Window
June 22, 1940
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Rudolf Ising
- Screenplay & Story
- Maurice "Jake" Day
- Original Score
- Scott Bradley
- Original Title
- The Milky Way
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 8m
- Production Studios
- Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, MGM Cartoon Studio, Rudolf Ising Productions
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Rudolf Ising
Maurice "Jake" Day
Scott Bradley
Fred Quimby, Rudolf Ising
Department Leadership Roster
Rudolf Ising
Director
Maurice "Jake" Day
Writer
Fred Quimby
Producer
Rudolf Ising
Producer
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Milky Way.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring The Milky Way.
Musicals
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Academy Awards - Best Animated Short Film Winners 1932-2025
Academy Awards winners archive (Best Animated Short Film Winners 1932-2025)
Academy Awards: Winners
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Oscar Best Shorts Nominees
Complete list of Oscar Best Shorts Nominees
Oscars Animated Short Film [1931-2023] : Winners & Nominees
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Milky Way
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Milky Way about?
The three little kittens have lost their mittens and are sent to bed without dinner. From their room, they see the Milky Way and sail up to it, using a basket and helium balloons, passing through some fanciful astronomical bodies, until they reach a Milky Way filled with every conceivable form of milk.
Who directed The Milky Way?
The Milky Way was directed by Rudolf Ising.
Who stars in The Milky Way?
The principal cast of The Milky Way includes Bernice Hansen.
When was The Milky Way released and how long is it?
The Milky Way was released in 1940 with a total runtime of 8m.
Who composed the musical score for The Milky Way?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Milky Way was composed by Scott Bradley.