Black Pete
From Freepedia
- For Black Pete(r)s, elf-like assistants of Saint Nicholas, see Zwarte Piet.
Black Pete (also known as Peg-Leg Pete and, simply, Pete) is a fictional character from the Walt Disney Company stables. He is an anthropomorphic cat (occasionally depicted with a pegleg), best known as the arch-nemesis of Mickey Mouse. Though he is usually associated with the Mickey Mouse universe, Pete actually appeared in cartoons long before Mickey, and is thus Disney's oldest continuing character.
Among younger fans, he was a relatively obscure character until appearing in the 1990s TV series Goof Troop. Oddly, Pete was portrayed as a main charaqcter and not as a villain. He is also shown in that series to be an anthropomorphic dog like the majority of other characters in that series, and later appearances in some Disney shows had some fans erroneously assume he was one. Pete made a couple of guest appearances, as a villain, in DuckTales.
Pete has made much more frequent appearances over the decades, however, in the various Mickey Mouse comic books and strips that have been produced.
Pete has used many aliases over the years. They include but are far from limited to Bootleg Pete, Louie the Leg, Mr. Sylvester Macaroni, Pegleg Pedro, Pierre the Trapper, Pistol Pete and Terrible Tom. Pete also boxed semi-professionally under the very misleading sobriquet of "Peewee Pete." His boxing career came to an end when he was knocked out cold by an opponent whom he outweighed at least twenty to one: Donald Duck. The problem was that Pete has a glass jaw.
His real name was apparently revealed in the story "Mickey's Strange Mission" (first published in February, 1961) by Carl Fallberg and Paul Murry. There Mickey acquires a photo of Pete at age 10 which identifies him as Percy P. Percival and depicts him dressed in a school uniform of the early 20th century. Pete feels that both the name and the picture could ruin his tough-guy reputation. Consequently Mickey uses them as blackmail material against his old enemy.
In French, Pete is known as "Pat Hibulaire" ("Gallows Bird"). In Spanish, he is "Pedro el Malo" ("Peter the Bad One"). In Italian he is "Gambadilegno" ("Wood Leg"), although he is almost never represented with a wood leg.
In the House of Mouse animated series, Pete is the landlord of that particular establishment and makes a few appearance in the cartoon itself, trying to find a way to get rid of Mickey Mouse.
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Ancestry and Family
Comic book stories have depicted Pete as being descended from a long line of villains, highwaymen and outlaws. Even historical figures such as Attila the Hun, Blackbeard, and Antonio López de Santa Anna have been included among his ancestors.
His mother is known only as Maw Pete and was mentioned in the story "Donald Duck Finds Pirate Gold" by Carl Barks and Jack Hannah (first published October, 1942) as a resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. Her first actual appearance however was in "The River Pirates" (first published September, 1968) by Carl Fallberg and Paul Murry. The same story introduced Li'l Pete, Black Pete's fraternal twin brother who seems to be afflicted with dwarfism.
In December, 1998, the Mickey Mouse comic strip introduced an older sister of Pete. Petula is the host of the cooking show Petula's Pantry. She finds time however to seek revenge against Mickey for condemning her "baby brother" to life imprisonment.
Better known and more enduring as characters in the comics are two cousins of Pete, created by Romano Scarpa. Trudy appeared first, and was introduced in "Topolino e la collana Chirikawa" ("Mickey Mouse and the Chirikawa Necklace", first published on March 10, 1960). This female version of Pete and (possibly distant) cousin was introduced as a childhood acquaintance of his. However, Trudy soon became his girlfriend, his partner-in-crime and roommate—whenever they hold residence out of prison that is. Their relationship seems to have evolved to a long-standing common-law marriage. This is occasionally used in contrast to Mickey's eternal engagement to Minnie Mouse and Goofy's determination to remain a bachelor.
The second cousin to be introduced was criminal mad scientist Plottigat. He first appeared in Topolino e il Pippo-lupo (" Mickey Mouse and Goofy the (were)wolf", first published on January 9, 1977). Plottigat is a firm believer in the saying "Knowledge is Power". He considers himself superior to most others in both intellect and education, therefore a rightful leader. However, Plottigat often finds himself employed by gangs under Pete or even Phantom Blot. Both of the latter are considered better connected within the Mouseton version of organized crime.
Alice Comedies
1925
Pete first appeared in the Walt Disney-produced 1920s "Alice Comedies" short subject series. He first appeared in Alice Solves the Puzzle (February 15, 1925) as Bootleg Pete. His nick-name being a reference to his career of bootlegging alcoholic beverages during the United States Prohibition (January 16, 1920 - December 5, 1933). His activities brough him at a beach in time to see Alice playing with a crossword puzzle. Pete happened to be a collector of crossword pazzles and identified Alice's puzzle being a rare one missing from his collection. The rest of the short focused on his antagonizing Alice and her drunk-on-moonshine cat Julius in order to steal it. The menacing, bear-like villain commanded quite a presence on the screen and was destined to return.
In Alice Wins the Derby (May 5, 1925) Pete, Alice and Julius are among several contestants in a combined horse racing/auto racing event. Pete first demonstrates his skill at cheating on sporting events to achieve victory. However a car accident takes both Pete and Julius out of the race. The ending is given away by the title of the short.
In Alice Is Stage Struck (October 1, 1925) Pete is casted as the stuff of nightmares for little Alice. She is depicted performing a stage version of Uncle Tom's Cabin with her live-action friends when she falls unconscious. In her nightmare , Alice is being chased by Pete in his dog sled across an Arctic enviroment.
In Alice Picks the Champ (November 1, 1925) , Pete is depicted as the owner of a gym who challenges all who enter in a boxing fight. The invitation is extended to Julius uppon his entry. Despite the title Alice is a mere spectator in their fight rather than playing a more active role.
Pete made his final appearance for the year in Alice's Tin Pony (November 15, 1925). The "pony" of the title was actually a train transporting passengers Alice and Julius along with a payroll shipment. The shipment attracts the attention of "Pete the Bear" and his gang of outlaws who attempt a train robbery. This was the first time Pete was depicted as leader of his own gang rather that a solitary villain. This depiction would prevail in his comic book appearances for decades.
1926
In Alice on the Farm (January 1, 1926), Pete performs his first act of kidnapping. He abducts Alice from a farm early on the short. Pete places her in a bag, punches her out and gives his own, silent version of an evil laugh. Julius then has to win custody of his female friend in a duel. Arguably the first of many duels Pete would have in his long career. Notably both Pete and Julius received more screen time than Alice herself.
Pete received a darker role in Alice's Mysterious Mystery (February 15, 1926). The title mystery concerns the abduction of an entire school of puppies by two mysterious dog catchers. Amateur detectives Alice and Julius investigate the case. The trail leads to Pete and an unnamed anthropomorphic rat serving as his henchman. The duo had abducted the puppies to sell them to a local sausage factory. Arguably establishing Pete as more ruthless than a mere kidnapper.
Pete upstaged Alice again in Alice's Balloon Race (March 1, 1926) where said balloon race serves as an excuse for another confrontation between Julius and his archenemy. Alice served as a bit player in her own film.
In Alice's Spanish Guitar (November 29, 1926), Pete listens to Alice playing guitar in a Spanish café. Pete is charmed by her music and abducts the girl once again. He keeps her captive in his own castle. Julius once again has to save the damsel in distress.
Alice's Brown Derby (December 13, 1926) depicts a horse racing contest where Pete attemps to cheat again while Julius rides a mechanical horse. Alice the Lumberjack (December 27, 1926), finds Alice and Julius working as lumberjacks. Pete interrupts their work to abduct Alice again. Julius is forced to come to the rescue once again. Both shorts can be seen as evidence of the repetition of plot themes that plagued the series as it progressed.
1927
Alice the Gold Bug (January 10, 1927) had Alice, Julius and Pete competing against each other in a surreal golf game. Alice Foils the Pirates (January 24, 1927) has a misleading title. Actually the short features Pete holding Alice hostage in a pirate ship while Julius comes to the rescue. Pete would later be cast as an experienced captain and occassional pirate in both his comic strip and comic book appearances.
Alice at the Rodeo (February 21, 1927) features Alice and Julius in a rodeo. Alice rides a bull which has little trouble throwing the little girl off his back. Julius prooves more succesful in bronc riding and wins first prize. But it is Pete who escapes with his winnings. The short naturaly leads to another confrontation between the two rivals.
Alice in the Alps (March 21, 1927) indeed has Alice and Julius ice skating in the Alps. They encounter Pete while mountaineering. Alice's Auto Race (April 4, 1927) actually features Julius and Pete competing in their usual style. Alice's Knaughty Knight (May 2, 1927) features Julius and Pete as knights in armour fighting over the affections of Lady Alice.
Alice's Channel Swim (June 13, 1927) has Julius and Pete competing in a swimming race across the English Channel. Alice was actually the referee rather than a swimmer. Alice in the Klondike (June 27, 1927) has Alice and Julius as gold prospectors in Klondike, Yukon, Canada. Their succesful search attracts their old rival Pete who wants the gold from himself. This would be the final appearance of Pete in the series. The series would have four more entries , ending with Alice in the Big League on August 22, 1927. Pete would be the only character of the series to survive its ending.
Oswald the Lucky Rabbit
1927
When Disney needed a villain to place against his new star Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, Pete was revived and put in good use. His introduction to his new adversary came with the sixth Oswald short The Ocean Hop (September 8, 1927). Apparently inspired by Charles Lindbergh, the two enter an aeroplane race across the Atlantic Ocean. Hugh Harman and Rollin Hamilton were responsible for animating several inventive gags during the film. At leat one became a classic. At some point Oswald runs off a cliff and continues to walk on air without the effect of gravity until realizing there no hground to stand on. The gag would be reused in many cartoon shorts to come. One should note that Charles Lindbergh also served as the inspiration for Plane Crazy (May 15, 1928) , the first cartoon to feature Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse.
A more characteristic depiction of Oswald came with The Banker's Daughter (September 15, 1927). Oswald was working as a limousine driver for a banker but is quickly fired for flirting with Miss Cottontail, the daughter of his employer. When Pete performs his first bank robbery at the same bank, Oswald comes to the rescue in order to become a hero and gain favor with the Cottontails. This love interest to Oswald would never appear again.
Rickety Gin (October 19, 1927) features Pete in a more comedic and romantic role. Oswald appears as a police officer who uses his fancy uniform to romance an unnamed young nurse. Pete succeeds at getting the officer drunk and proceeds in stealing his uniform and romancing the nurse himself. Apparently the lady was attracted to uniform-wearing men.
Harem Scarem (December 20, 1927) features Pete and Oswald in Morocco. Oswald falls in love with a dancer and Pete abducts her. Leading to another heroic rescue for Oswald.
1928
Rival Romeos (February 16, 1928) features Pete and Oswald as rivals for the heart of their "Lady Love". However both Romeos and their automobiles were at the end rejected by their Juliet in favor of an unnamed dog and his motorcycle. Sagebrush Sadie (March 14, 1928) features Oswald as a cowboy attempting to save a stagecoach and its female passenger from outlaw Pete.
Ozzie of the Mounted (March 29, 1928) casts Pete as "Foxy Wolf", an outlaw wanted by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Oswald was naturaly positioned as the Mountie determined to "get his man". The chase goes on through a series of Canadian locals. One should note that "Foxy" has no known connection to the namesake character of the later Merrie Melodies series.
Oh, What a Knight (March 30, 1928) is somewhat unusual. The action takes place not in the 1920s but in the Middle Ages. Pete is a strict father who keeps his daughter in isolation within their family castle. Oswald is the potential lover of the girl who is trying to release her. Oswald duels with Pete and then uses an anachronistic bowling ball to take out his men. He makes his escape with the girl only to be confronted by the final defence of a hostile lion. The two lovers escape the castle using a parachute and kiss as they make their fall. The use of the parachute presumably places the events after its first recorded use by Armen Firman in 852.
Sky Scrappers (April 25, 1928) casts Pete as another kind of "villain". Not an outlaw but a harsh superior in a working enviroment. A figure presumably familiar to many among the intended audience of the short. In this case a construction site where Oswald is a steel worker and Pete his supervising foreman. A working relationship than only deteriorates when both men are interested in a new love interest by the name of Fanny.
Leaving personal matters interfere with their work apparently led both men to unemployment. By the time of their next appearance in Hungry Hoboes (May 14, 1928), the duo had been reduced to hoboes seeking rail transport. On the plus side, the two old rivals had apparently achieved friendship.
1929 - 1933
By the time producer Charles B. Mintz took away the Oswald series from Disney, Pete had been established as the most consistently appearing supporting character to Oswald. He continued to appear in that role in the Oswald films directed and produced by Walter Lantz until 1933. His most notable non-Disney appearance was arguably as a captain in Permanent Wave (September 29, 1929).
Mickey Mouse
He then appeared as Mickey Mouse's enemy beginning with Steamboat Willie.
In the comics Pete often teams up with Mickey Mouse enemies Sylvester Shyster, Eli Squinch, or Weasel. Sometimes, Pete also teams up with other bad guys in the Disney universe, such as Scrooge McDuck's enemies the Beagle Boys and Magica De Spell, Mad Madam Mim, Captain Hook, and the witch from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
In the early 1980s short film Mickey's Christmas Carol, an adaptation of Charles Dickens' novel A Christmas Carol featuring Disney characters, Pete was cast as the Ghost of Christmas Future.
On the TV show Goof Troop Pete has a family who includes his wife Peg and their two children PJ (short for Pete Junior) and Pistol, and their dog Chainsaw. They live next door to Goofy and his son Max. Pete owns a used-car dealership, and though no longer openly villainous, is still conniving (as well as abrasive, obnoxious, and truculent) and often exploits his good-hearted and somewhat addled friend. Often his schemes backfire, or he feels guilty about his oafish behavior and works to set things right. In A Goofy Movie Pete is inexplicably working as a baby photographer, with no explanation of why he no longer has the dealership. Jim Cummings provided Pete's booming bass voice.
After Goof Troop, Pete reverted back to his evil ways on Mickey Mouse Works. In House of Mouse he plays the role of the evil landlord. Several episodes involved his attempts to close the club.
In the 2004 made-for-video animated remake of The Three Musketeers (with Mickey, Donald Duck, and Goofy playing the title roles), Pete again appeared under the name Peg-Leg Pete as a villain.
In Kingdom Hearts 2, Pete will be one of the main villains Sora and gang have to deal with. So far (from the promos), he makes a deal with Hades, gains possession of Jafar's lamp, helps Barbossa's crew undo their curse at Isla de Muerta and appears as a much-ridiculised "lion"[1] in the Lion King world. A different, 1920-style Pete will be also seen at Timeless River (The Steamboat Willie world.).
Cultural references
A thinly disguised version of Pete appears in the novel Who P-P-P-Plugged Roger Rabbit by Gary K. Wolf.
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