Mr Pete & the Iron Horse

This amazing animation tells the story of the diligent fireman of a steam engine, Mr Pete, who does everything to meet the high standards of his baroness. No matter how much coal he shoves into the furnace, the speed produced never seems to match her expectations and she demands more, more, more.  Unexpectedly, Mr Pete discovers a way to get the wheels really turning at speed, but with grave consequences for everyone…

Created by YK Animation Studio, this animation is reminiscent of a few things – early Disney and late 1920s animation in general, together with a little German Neue Sachlichkeit (New Objectivity) thrown in for good measure – with a pinch of Soviet Constructivism.  Put this together and match it with a frenetic pace with Mr Pete as the hapless protagonist and you have an animation the likes of which you won’t see often.  It feels very old-fashioned but very 2025 at the same time. Enjoy!