A Close Shave
Business is booming for Wallace and Gromit’s new window-cleaning service and life’s pretty dandy at West Wallaby Street, especially when the new venture introduces Wallace to the fragrant Wendolene, owner of the local wool shop – and a rather ferocious mutt named Preston.
When a sheep unexpectedly turns up at 62 West Wallaby Street, it’s a great opportunity for Wallace to try out his latest invention, the Knit-O-Matic. But with the malevolent Preston on the prowl and some strange sheep rustling going on, it would be a disaster if the Knit-O-Matic fell into the wrong hands...
Characters
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Shaun the Sheep
Despite causing havoc when he turns up at West Wallaby Street, Wallace becomes quite taken with this fleecy visitor. He’s quickly utilised in Wallace’s latest invention – the Knit-O-Matic - and comes out the other end squeaky clean but a little too closely shaved, hence the name Shaun! He might be small and rather mischievous at times, but Shaun really comes into his own in a crisis – his quick thinking stops Preston’s Mutton-O-Matic from turning Wallace, Gromit and a whole flock of sheep into dog meat!
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Wendolene
The fragrant Wendolene is owner of the town’s wool shop and becomes the object of Wallace’s unspoken affections. Her seemingly sweet nature makes her a strange match for her canine companion – a ferocious dog called Preston. And, unfortunately for Wallace, she’s not a fan of his favourite thing – cheese. It brings her out in a terrible rash!
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Preston
This hulking brute has small eyes and a glower that makes Gromit’s blood run cold. In fact, Preston isn’t your average dog – he’s actually a cyberdog, invented by Wendolene’s father! When put in control of the Mutton-O-Matic, he sees an opportunity for making use of all those shorn sheep…and it isn’t pretty!
Awards
3 wins & 1 nomination, including
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Oscar® Winner
Best Short Film, Animated
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Bafta Winner
Best Animation
Factfile
- To celebrate the film's premiere on the 24th of December 1995, Wallace and Gromit featured in BBC Two's famous Christmas-themed ident involving the two eating Christmas dinner, with a large blue 2 logo situated in the middle of the table, covered with flashing Christmas lights.
- The film has won over 30 awards including an Oscar®
- As well as the Knit-0-Matic, several other madcap inventions feature in the film, including the Porridge Gun, the Flying Sidecar and Preston’s devious device – the Mutton-O-Matic.
- Feathers McGraw, from The Wrong Trousers, appears in one blink-and-you’ll-miss-it shot – have you spotted him?
