Trick or Retreat 1971
In the wild west parody Trick or Retreat (1971), director Arthur Davis delivers a lightning-fast six-minute animation packed with slapstick comedy and gunpowder gags.
Director: Arthur Davis
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Trick or Retreat (1971) about?
This six-minute animated short follows Rattfink as he tries to help the Indians defeat a frontier fort held by Roland. His plan backfires when Roland outwits him, and a well-meaning peace-pipe tradition turns into a fiery disaster. Expect chaos, comedy, and a very literal explosion of the peace process.
Who directed Trick or Retreat?
Arthur Davis directed this animated short, bringing his signature wit and pace to the wild west parody.
Who stars in Trick or Retreat?
Lennie Weinrib voices the lead role of Rattfink in this quick-witted comedy.
Is Trick or Retreat (1971) worth watching?
While it clocks in at just six minutes, Trick or Retreat packs plenty of laughs and a clever twist on cowboy clichés. Its humor and animation style make it a hidden gem for vintage cartoon enthusiasts, especially those who enjoy fast-paced, gag-heavy shorts.
How long is Trick or Retreat?
The film runs for approximately 6 minutes.
About Trick or Retreat (1971) — A Wild West Cartoon Classic with Explosive Humor
In the wild west parody Trick or Retreat (1971), director Arthur Davis delivers a lightning-fast six-minute animation packed with slapstick comedy and gunpowder gags. Lennie Weinrib voices the bumbling Rattfink, whose half-baked plan to help the Indians storm a frontier fort goes up in smoke when the soldiers outmaneuver his crew. The short's signature moment arrives when a peace-pipe ritual takes a dangerously explosive turn, turning a moment of diplomacy into a puff of smoke and a startled soldier. With its zany action and cartoonish violence, Davis crafts a parody that feels decades ahead of its time.
Trick or Retreat (1971) blends cowboy tropes with anarchic humor, poking fun at treaties, treaty-makers, and the very idea of peace in the old west. The film's snappy pacing and over-the-top gags make it a cult favorite among animation lovers, offering a taste of the chaotic style that would later define classic cartoon shorts. Whether you're a fan of vintage animation or simply love a good underdog story gone wrong, this six-minute romp delivers laughs in spades.