Pop Culture Movies and More: Tom and Jerry (TV Series 1940-1967)

Tom and Jerry is an American cartoon series about an unfortunate cat's never-ending pursuit of a clever mouse. Tom is the scheming cat, and Jerry is a courageous and determined mouse. The series was driven entirely by action and visual humour with plenty of timeless slapstick. The characters rarely spoke except for a few times and of course the bountiful screams that mostly came from Tom who had the best yelps ever recorded. Tom and Jerry is an amazing show that is still enjoyable even 80-plus years since its first release. It manages to entertain people of all ages and it is a true testament to the show in its ability to generate the same reactions from people today as it did back in the 1940s. Slapstick humour is some of the best forms of comedy out there and Tom and Jerry do it superbly. If you love the kind of slapstick on display here then definitely check out the Home Alone series that shares this comedic style. The show went through many years and with each, it altered the designs of the characters and artistry. These periods are The Hanna-Barbera Era (1940-1958), Gene Deitch Era (1961-1962) and the Chuck Jones Era (1963-1967). The characters and animation went through many changes but the heart and soul of the show never changed, nor did the humour. The Hanna-Barbera Era has to be my favourite, especially in the 1950s as I love the look of the animation. I would also pick this era because of the particular episodes that are easily some of the best-loved that the show has ever produced, which brought their most iconic depictions to life. Some of the earlier versions of the characters were very close to reality in their looks and as time passed, they became less life-like and more their own animated versions. Those versions of the characters became their base look for all future projects like movies, which continue to come out as recently as today! They have had many films over the years from their own wacky adventures to movies where they meet iconic characters such as Sherlock Holmes. There was even one where they are part of The Wizard of Oz (1939), featuring in the adventure. For a show dating back as far as the 1940s to have movies and shows made many years later (and still going strong) is quite an impressive feat. There are also episodes set during seasonal occasions from Halloween to Christmas, making the show great viewing for the whole year round, no matter the time. I have always loved hand-drawn animation as the time that's clearly been put into it and the flowing movement just looks incredible and witnessing the final product makes it all the more impressive. Such intricate detail was put into making these episodes that will always blow me away with how stunning it all looks. Some of the best episodes, and my favourites, are when the two get along, helping one another out being kind and friendly despite their constant rivalry and attempts to get back at the other. Their rivalry/friendship is so iconic and we, the audience, just can't help but love them with all the crazy shenanigans they get into. There are so many creative and hilarious ways that they get at each other from bowling balls falling on Tom's head to Jerry landing on a cactus spike, there are some incredible expressions and screams that will have you howling with laughter. All of Tom's screams and shouts are so iconic that you can easily recognise them from this show since after all he has a great variety. They are extremely hilarious and a guaranteed laugh in my case. There are also many other supporting memorable characters. There is Spike the bulldog and his son Tyke, Nibbles (Tuffy) the baby grey mouse, Quacker the little duckling, Mammy Two Shoes, Butch the cat, Droopy the basset hound and many more. Each one is just as funny and entertaining, showing up now and then in some episodes over the years. Overall, this is such an iconic show with two of the most memorable characters in pop culture history. With heaps of slapstick to keep you chuckling frequently this makes for ideal viewing for those days when you just need a good old laugh.