This film is part of Free

Title of error

See Help

Train Trouble

Who knew so much was riding on a squirrel's breakfast?

Advert 1946 3 mins

Overview

Cartoon proof that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. In this 1940s cinema advert the tardiness of Signalman Squirrel's breakfast brings passengers to the brink of a major rail disaster every day. The solution is not setting his alarm earlier, finding an extra pair of hands for his long-suffering wife, or (heaven forbid) making his own breakfast. No, the answer lies in a home delivery mix-up of a familiar cereal box.

Often cited as the first film produced by Halas & Batchelor Cartoon Films in 1940, a recent re-examination of the film negatives and other contemporary documentation reveals that this film was actually released in 1946. Two versions of the film were produced - this 5½ minute version and a shortened cut at just under three minutes. The squirrel character reappears in a second Kellogg's commercial from the same year titled Radio Ructions, with breakfast tardiness nearly leading to a missed broadcast rather than a rail disaster.

Director

John Halas and Joy Batchelor

Genres

Advert and Animation & Artists Moving Image

Country

United Kingdom

Language

English

Subjects

Cornflakes

Watch for free

Falling in the Water Falling in the Water

Animation & Artists Moving Image 1973 1 mins

Kids don't always listen to their parents. But in the 70s they certainly listened to a giant ginger tabby cat...

Watch for free

Goodwill To All Dogs Goodwill To All Dogs

Animation & Artists Moving Image 1960 6 mins

An animated xmas with paper dog Snap

Watch for free

The Feline Fun The Feline Fun

Amateur film 1986 13 mins Silent

The shenanigans of Cuthbert-Tiggy, the mischievous kitty who enjoys a tipple. An intriguing combo of stop-motion animation and live action.

Watch for free

Bonzo No. 5 Bonzo No. 5

Animation & Artists Moving Image 1925 9 mins Silent

Dreams of a Rarebit Hound, as the loveable cartoon pup Bonzo discovers that a late night sausage feast can lead to some disturbing dreams

Watch for free

The Clown and His Donkey The Clown and His Donkey

Animation & Artists Moving Image 1910 3 mins Silent

A pioneering effort in bringing shadow puppetry to the cinema

Watch for free

Superted Superted

Animation & Artists Moving Image 1975 9 mins

Don’t tell the Spotty man but Superted has a new friend. A stop motion predecessor of the superhero teddy idea

Watch for free

New Perspectives: La Haine New Perspectives: La Haine

Short documentary 2025 4 mins

Charlie Hammersley, a student from Northumbria University, explains how Mathieu Kassovitz's 1995 film holds up a mirror to society.

Watch for free

Dreamers Q&A Dreamers Q&A

Inside Film 2025 30 mins

The film-makers behind a haunting tale of love and community within a UK immigration detention centre visited the BFI Southbank to discuss their film.