Focus Features

On January 31, 1975, one of cartoon’s best-loved characters and an orgy scene in an adult-themed film appeared together in court papers that underscore the fine points of copyright law. The Walt Disney Company filed a suit in federal district court against the makers of The Happy Hooker, a drama starring Lynn Redgrave based on the life of legendary madam Xavier Hollander, to stop their “Mickey Mouse Club Theme” from being played on the soundtrack during a group sex act. In their lawsuit, Disney said use of the song constituted “substantial and irreparable injury, loss and damage to their ownership rights.” Furthermore, reported The New York Times, Disney attorney Walter Stratton told the judge, “Not only that, your honor, but three of the four participants in the scene were wearing mouseketeer ears!” Humor aside, the case points to a reality for filmmakers: when licensing music for a film, often the filmmaker must not only pay a fee but specify the context in which the music will be used so rights holders are able to decide whether or not they are comfortable with the association.

On January 31, 1975, one of cartoon’s best-loved characters and an orgy scene in an adult-themed film appeared together in court papers that underscore the fine points of copyright law. The Walt Disney Company filed a suit in federal district court against the makers of The Happy Hooker, a drama starring Lynn Redgrave based on the life of legendary madam Xavier Hollander, to stop their “Mickey Mouse Club Theme” from being played on the soundtrack during a group sex act. In their lawsuit, Disney said use of the song constituted “substantial and irreparable injury, loss and damage to their ownership rights.” Furthermore, reported The New York Times, Disney attorney Walter Stratton told the judge, “Not only that, your honor, but three of the four participants in the scene were wearing mouseketeer ears!” Humor aside, the case points to a reality for filmmakers: when licensing music for a film, often the filmmaker must not only pay a fee but specify the context in which the music will be used so rights holders are able to decide whether or not they are comfortable with the association.