aunted for the size of his enormous ears, the little elephant, Dumbo, is too young to understand what the laughter is about, but old enough to know that it's aimed at him. Cruelly separated from his mother by the circus, misunderstood and mistreated by the other animals, he's all alone in the world with "no warm trunk to cuddle up to, no one to dry his tears." Fortunately, he's got a mouse in his corner -- Timothy Mouse. With his new friend's help and guidance (and the help of a "magic feather"), Dumbo has the courage to take a leap of faith that turns the taunting into cheers, and makes all his dreams soar. Bill Tytla, also responsible for the sinister characterization of "Pinocchio's" Stromboli (1940), was the key animator for "Dumbo." He based the character's childlike expressions and earnestness on those of his son, Peter. As Bill explained, "There's nothing theatrical about a two-year-old kid. They're real and sincere ... I tried to put all these things in 'Dumbo.'" Film: "Dumbo" (1941) Learn more about Dumbo at the Walt Disney Family Museum.