The Gallopin’ Gaucho was the second film featuring Mickey Mouse to be produced, following Plane Crazy and preceding Steamboat Willie. The Walt Disney Company completed the silent version on August 7, 1928, but failed to distribute it widely. Due to a lack of interest, the film was not given wide release until after Steamboat Willie and Plane Crazy had been released, making it the third Mickey Mouse short, with the sound version released on December 30, 1928.