Who are Tom & Jerry?
More than just childhood entertainment, Tom and Jerry embody the most famous and enduring rivalry in animated history. Behind their legendary chases lie creative secrets and a cultural heritage that has survived the decades without aging.
Animation history was made in 1940, when director duo William Hanna and Joseph Barbera first collaborated on an experimental project called "Puss Gets the Boot." At that time, the protagonists did not yet have their iconic names, but "Jasper" and "Jinx". Although the alchemy between the cat and the mouse was already evident, the director of MGM studios, initially doubtful about the potential of a new banal animal duel, hesitated to make this test into a series. The fate of the franchise changed following the exceptional reception of the short film, which received an Oscar nomination. This success pushed MGM to order a sequel, which gave rise to the official license of Tom and Jerry, making them pillars of the golden age of American animation. The story is based on a simple and universal dynamic where Tom continually tries to hunt Jerry, while the latter foils each plan with cunning. Their relationship remains original, however, because Jerry does not just run away and sometimes takes pleasure in tormenting the cat. This rivalry also hides a mutual respect that can be seen in certain situations that the duo must face. When external threats appear, like the bulldog Spike, the two sworn enemies do not hesitate to ally themselves.
The Tom & Jerry franchise was very successful, which allowed Hanna and Barbera to win a total of 7 Oscars for “Best Animated Short Film” between 1943 and 1952, as well as numerous nominations.
You can purchase Tom & Jerry figurines on the Artoyz website or directly in store at 83 Rue Saint Honoré, 75001 Paris.
In summary, the cult duo composed of the cat Tom and the mouse Jerry marked generations thanks to a simple comedy typical of "slapstick", even to the point of surpassing animation icons such as Looney Tunes.
References to Tom & Jerry
Tom & Jerry have left their mark on generations to the point of becoming pop culture icons, often referenced in various works.
The Simpsons
Itchy & Scratchy
In the universe of Simpsons, Bart and Lisa spend a lot of time watching the cult show: Itchy and Scratchy. True parody of Tom and Jerry, this cartoon transforms the classic chase into a violent, even gory, domestic scene where the mouse takes pleasure in torturing the cat.
This parody also recalls the Italian comic strip Mattioli, Squeak the Mouse : a satire of cartoons.
My Fairly Odd Parents
Sleazy & Cheezy
In the same spirit, well almost, Sleazy and Cheezy is another "show-within-a-show"who revisits Tom and Jerry. We find a typical duo, a gray cat and a brown mouse, but in an atmosphere very different from the gory violence ofItchy and Scratchy.
Here, no graphic violence, just pure slapstick as we know it well. It's a direct homage to the animated classics of the chase genre.
Musical Comedy
Anchors Aweigh
No more parodies and winks: with Anchors Aweigh, we are entitled to a real cameo by Jerry. In this 1945 musical, the character of Joseph Brady, played by Gene Kelly, plunges into an animated universe where he comes face to face with the famous mouse, who happens to be the king of this kingdom.
Despite his crown, Jerry is not satisfied: his ultimate dream? Know how to dance. This is where Joseph decides to give him a lesson on "The Worry Song". It’s a historic moment that perfectly combines live-action and cartoons.
Musical Comedy
Tomu to Jerī Yume yo Mōichido
After talking about a mix between the real world and that of animation, we now move on to the musical Tomu to Jerī Yume yo Mōichido (or Tom and Jerry Purr-Chance to Dream) celebrating 80 years of the franchise in 2019.
The scenario remains faithful to the duo: we find a Tommy desperately trying to seduce the pretty Toodles Galore, and Jerry who takes advantage of the situation to make fun of the poor cat by transforming his attempts at flirting into real choreographed chaos.
This tribute proves that the success of Tom and Jerry goes beyond the boundaries of cartoons and these characters have become icons.
Video Game
Cuphead
The license has marked pop culture to the point of inviting itself into the world of gaming. In the famous Cuphead, an indie type game shoot 'em up and beat them all, studio MDHR pays direct homage to the golden age of animation with a boss fight featuring Werner Werman and the Katzenwagen. Werner, a military rat at the controls of his can tank, and the Katzenwagen, a giant mechanical cat, take up the duo's visuals.
Tom & Jerry
