cartoon “The Mole and the Machine”** (Czech. Krtek a auto, 1962) - one of the most recognizable works of the legendary Czechoslovak animator Zdenek Miller. This short film, only 6 minutes long, not only laid the foundation for a whole series of adventures of the little hero, but also became a unique artifact connecting children's animation with car theme. Unlike other cartoons about animals, here For the first time in world animation, the conflict between nature and technology is played out through the prism of traffic - a topic that is still relevant today, more than 60 years later.
The plot is simple at first glance: Mole (Czech. Krtek), trying to cross the road, he encounters a stream of cars that do not want to let him pass. However, behind this naive story lies a deep subtext - a criticism of urbanization and the soullessness of technological progress. The cartoon, created during the heyday of the automobile industry in Europe, anticipated many modern discussions about the environment and road safety. Today it is interesting not only as part of the cultural heritage, but also as an object of analysis for car enthusiasts, transport historians and even road safety specialists.
Historical context: why did the cartoon appear in 1962?
The 1960s in Czechoslovakia became a time of rapid development of the automotive industry. The country actively produced models such as Škoda 1000 MB (1964) and Tatra 603, and the roads were filled with private cars. Zdenek Miller, while working on the series about Krotik, I could not ignore this trend. The cartoon “The Mole and the Machine” was a response to:
- 🚗 Vehicle fleet growth: in Czechoslovakia, from 1950 to 1965, the number of cars increased 3 times, which led to chaos on the roads.
- 🛣️ Lack of driving culture: traffic rules were just beginning to be formed, pedestrians often became victims of accidents.
- 🌱 Confrontation between nature and technology: industrialization destroyed the natural habitats of animals - a topic that is also relevant for modern environmental activists.
Interestingly, the cartoon was created two years before the official adoption Vienna Convention on Road Traffic (1968), which standardized the rules for Europe. Perhaps Miller intuitively sensed the need for such changes. Today "The Mole and the Machine" is often quoted in courses on history of automotive design as an example of how art reflects the social challenges of the era.
Plot and hidden details: what did Miller really want to say?
On the surface, the plot looks like a sitcom: Mole tries to cross the road, but cars keep knocking him down (literally, throwing him into the air). However, if you look closely, you will notice a few key points:
- First transition attempt: Mole waits for the green light, but cars ignore the pedestrian crossing. This is a reference to 1960s traffic chaos, when drivers often did not yield to pedestrians.
- Using an underground passage: the hero digs a tunnel under the road - an allegory to the fact that nature (and man) are forced to adapt to technological progress.
- Final scene: The mole "deceives" cars by crossing the road on top of moving cars. This episode is interpreted by many as a call for creativity in solving transport problems.
It is curious that in the original version of the cartoon no word - only sound effects and music. This was an innovative decision: Miller believed that the visuals should speak for themselves. Today this approach is called “visual storytelling", and it is actively used in car advertising (for example, in commercials BMW or Mercedes-Benz).
A shot you might not have noticed
In the scene where Krotik falls from the car, a road sign with the words "Pozor, Krtek!" is visible in the background. ("Careful, Mole!"). This sign was invented specifically for the cartoon, but later it began to be used unofficially in Czechoslovakia as a comic warning sign on forest roads.
Cars in the cartoon: what models are hidden in the frame?
Despite the cartoon style, the cars in The Mole and the Machine are drawn with amazing detail. Miller and his team were inspired by real cars from the 1950s and 1960s. The table below contains a breakdown of the most notable models:
| Frame | Prototype of a real car | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Red car with round shapes | Škoda 440 Spartak (1955–1959) | Characteristic radiator grille and “eye” headlights |
| Green car with a high body | Tatra 600 Tatraplan (1948–1952) | Aerodynamic design reminiscent of American cars of the time |
| Blue minibus | Škoda 1203 (1961–1999) | Prototype of future "loaves" - popular in the USSR and Eastern Europe |
| Black sedan with chrome bumpers | GAZ-21 Volga (1956–1970) | Soviet car exported to Czechoslovakia |
Interestingly, among the cars there are no Western European or American models - only socialist cars. This reflected the political reality: in 1962, Czechoslovakia was part of Comecon (Council for Mutual Economic Assistance), and the import of cars from capitalist countries was limited. Nevertheless, Miller managed to convey the spirit of the era, when the roads were filled with a variety of (if not always reliable) cars.
If you are a collector of automobile miniatures, pay attention to models from IXO Models or Solido — they released series inspired by Czechoslovakian cars from the cartoon.
Influence on culture: from cartoons to memes and car accessories
“The Mole and the Machine” has long outgrown the scope of children's animation. Today, his motives can be found in the most unexpected places:
- 🎨 Street art: in Prague and Brno, on the walls of houses you can find graffiti with a Mole crossing a zebra crossing (pedestrian crossing).
- 🚘 Car accessories: Czech company Kratochvil produces stickers for cars with the inscription “Pozor, Krtek!” - as a tribute to the cartoon.
- 📱 Memes and GIFs: the frame where Krotik is hit by a car has become a popular meme in car communities (for example, in the “Accidents and Disgrace on the Roads” groups).
- 🎬 Cinema and TV series: in a Czech sitcom «Hospital na kraji města» (1977) there is an episode where the characters watch this cartoon on TV.
In 2011 Czech Post released a stamp with a Mole and a car, and in 2022, on the 60th anniversary of the cartoon, Škoda Auto presented a special version Škoda Enyaq iV with painting in the style of Zdenek Miller. This confirms: even after decades, the topic of interaction between humans (and animals) and technology remains relevant.
The cartoon “The Mole and the Machine” became the world’s first animated work where cars are not just a background, but full-fledged “antagonists” of the main character.
Where can you legally watch The Mole and the Machine in 2026?
Despite its age, the cartoon remains in demand. However, finding its legal sources is not so easy. Here are the current methods:
⚠️ Attention: Many versions on YouTube violate copyright. Official channel Krtek TV Regularly removes pirated copies.
- 📺 YouTube (official): channel Krtek TV publishes remastered versions with subtitles in several languages (including Russian).
- 💿 DVD and Blu-ray: publishing house Bontonfilm released a collection of all the cartoons about Mole with Czech and English subtitles.
- 🎬 Animation festivals: “The Mole and the Machine” is often shown at retrospectives, e.g. Annecy International Animated Film Festival.
- 📱 Streaming services: In some countries the cartoon is available on Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV in the "Classical Animation" section.
It is worth noting that in Russia and the CIS countries there are very few legal viewing methods. Sometimes the cartoon is broadcast on television as part of retro programs (for example, on the channel "Cartoon"), but without prior announcement. If you're looking for a Russian-dubbed version, check out Soviet releases on VHS - they're sometimes sold on Avito or Yule in the "Vinyl and Retro" section.
☑️ How to find the original version of the cartoon
“The Mole and the Machine” as a traffic rules training manual for children
In Czechoslovakia (and later in the Czech Republic), the cartoon was actively used in schools and kindergartens for teaching traffic rules. Educators highlighted several key lessons:
- Pedestrian crossing: Mole waits for the green light, but the cars don't stop - this is an illustration of the fact that even at the zebra crossing you need to be careful.
- Alternative routes: By digging a tunnel, the hero shows that sometimes it is safer to bypass a dangerous place.
- Unpredictability of drivers: scenes where cars “cut off” Mole, teach children
do not go out onto the road because of obstacles (cars, bushes).
In the 1980s in the USSR, the cartoon was also broadcast on television, but without dubbing - only with voice-over translation. It is interesting that Soviet teachers focused on another aspect: criticism of consumer attitudes towards nature. In the magazine "Preschool education"(1985, No. 6) a methodological development of a lesson based on this cartoon was published, where children were asked to draw “how they imagine the road of the future - friendly for people and animals.”
⚠️ Attention: Modern psychologists do not recommend showing this cartoon to children under 5 years old without comment. Scenes where Mole is hit by cars can be disturbing. It is better to discuss with your child what it is exaggeration for humor, but in real life you need to be careful.
FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about the cartoon
Why doesn't Krotik have a name? Who does he even look like?
Zdenek Miller deliberately did not give the hero a name so that any child could associate themselves with him. According to the author, Krotik is common European mole (Talpa europaea), but with human features. Interestingly, in the first drafts the hero had ears like a hare, but then Miller made him more realistic.
How many cartoons about Mole have been created?
From 1957 to 2002 it was released 50 episodes about Mole (including “Mole and the Machine”). The last cartoon «Krtek a med» (“Mole and Honey”), came out after Miller’s death - it was finalized by his daughter.
Is it true that the cartoon was banned in some countries?
Yes, in GDR in the 1960s, The Mole and the Machine was temporarily banned from television. The authorities considered that the cartoon “undermines the authority of socialist transport.” However, the ban was later lifted, and the Mole became a popular character in East Germany.
Where can I buy merch with Mole and cars?
Official merch is sold on the website krtek.cz (delivery to Russia is possible through intermediaries). Also produces collectible figurines Schuco (Germany) - look for the series "Krtek & Cars" In Prague in a store «Krtek Shop» on the street Celetná you can find exclusive things, for example, a model Škoda 1000 MB with a Mole sticker.
Is there a remake or modern adaptation of the cartoon?
In 2020, Czech studio MAUR film announced a reboot of the Krotik series in 3D animation format, but the project stalled due to disputes over rights. However, a short film was released in 2023 «Krtek ve městě» (“Mole in the City”), where the hero faces modern problems - electric cars and bike paths.