An American Tail: Fievel Goes West

An American Tail: Fievel Goes West

Year: 1991

Runtime: 75 mins

Language: English

Directors: Phil Nibbelink, Simon Wells

AnimationWesternAdventureComedyFamily

When the Mousekewitz family, having finally settled in America, discovers that cats still menace their new life, they hear rumors of a peaceful western frontier where mice and cats coexist. Lured by promises of safety, they travel west, only to find the promise sold by slick con‑artist Cat R. Waul, whose sinister scheme puts them in danger.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – An American Tail: Fievel Goes West (1991)

Explore the full timeline and setting of An American Tail: Fievel Goes West (1991). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1890

The story unfolds in 1890, a period of late 19th‑century westward expansion in the United States. It blends immigrant family life with frontier justice, railroad towns, and gritty desert landscapes. The era’s rough climate and social dynamics drive the mice to seek safety in Green River and beyond.

Location

Green River, Utah, City Sewers

Green River, Utah is the frontier town where the Mousekewitz family settles after escaping Waul’s plan. The group also hides in the city sewers, a shadowy underworld that foreshadows the West’s rough edges. The setting blends dusty plains, a bustling saloon culture, and small-town dynamics that frame their fight for safety.

🏜 Western frontier 🧭 Underground passages 🐭 Animated setting

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:38

Main Characters – An American Tail: Fievel Goes West (1991)

Meet the key characters of An American Tail: Fievel Goes West (1991), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Fievel Mousekewitz (Phillip Glasser)

A resourceful and optimistic young mouse whose curiosity drives the plot. Though small, he shows remarkable courage, eavesdropping on the cats’ plan and rallying his family to action. His perseverance helps unite the Mousekewitz family and inspires others to stand up to Waul.

💪 Brave 🐭 Small but mighty 🧠 Clever

Wylie Burp (James Stewart)

An elderly bloodhound and rough‑hewn lawman who mentors Tiger. He’s wary at first but chooses to train a new generation of to protect the town. His wisdom and grudging bravery guide the team to face Waul’s threat.

🛡️ Wise 🐶 Veteran 🗡 Protector

Cat R. Waul (John Cleese)

A British aristocrat cat and master manipulator who lords over Waul’s gang. He uses a marionette to mislead the mice and orchestrates the attempt to win over Green River while plotting to eat them. His scheming reveals the dangers of charm and cunning.

🎩 Elegant 🦹 Villain 🎭 Manipulative

Miss Kitty (Amy Irving)

A stylish cat who leaves Tiger to seek a different life and later works as a saloon girl in Green River. She grows into a more world-weary, independent figure and ultimately supports the mice’s cause. Her relationship with Tiger adds a romantic layer to the frontier drama.

🐈 Independent 🎤 Performer 💖 Romance

Tiger (Dom DeLuise)

A tough, loyal cat whose pursuit of Miss Kitty leads him west. He evolves from a potential obstacle into a capable ally who joins the fight against Waul and helps protect the town. His street-smarts and humor balance the group’s heroism.

🐯 Loyal 🥇 Reluctant hero 🗡 Trickster

Tanya Mousekewitz (Cathy Cavadini)

Fievel’s sister who dreams of becoming a singer. Her voice becomes a beacon of hope and a catalyst for action, culminating in a celebrated performance. She helps unite the community and demonstrates confidence in the face of danger.

🐭 Dreamer 🎤 Performer 🎶 Confidence

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:38

Major Themes – An American Tail: Fievel Goes West (1991)

Explore the central themes of An American Tail: Fievel Goes West (1991), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💪 Courage

Bravery in the face of danger is a driving force as Fievel and Tiger confront a cat-led coup. The characters risk capture and even death to protect their family and community. Courage is tested repeatedly, and small acts of valor help unify the group against Waul’s trickery.

👪 Family

The Mousekewitz clan anchors the story, showing how family ties sustain individuals under pressure. Siblings support each other, and parental guidance underpins decisions in uncertainty. The quest west becomes as much about keeping the family safe as it is about personal survival.

🗺️ Migration

The film centers on immigrant families crossing boundaries in search of safety and opportunity. The Westward journey reframes identity, blending Eastern origins with frontier life. Resettlement tests loyalty, fosters new friendships, and reshapes the characters’ sense of home.

🎶 Music

Tanya’s singing weaves into the plot as a source of hope and unity. Music bridges cultures and helps expose Waul’s manipulation. The saloon performances and Tanya’s ascent to stardom symbolize resilience through art.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:38

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An American Tail: Fievel Goes West Summary

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An American Tail: Fievel Goes West Summary

An American Tail: Fievel Goes West Timeline

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An American Tail: Fievel Goes West Timeline

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