Tom and Jerry

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Tom and Jerry is an American animated media franchise and series of comedy short films created in 1940 by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera. It centers on a rivalry between its two title characters, Tom, a cat, and Jerry, a mouse, and many recurring characters. The series is notable for its slapstick comedy, which is largely conveyed through action and visual gags rather than dialogue.

History

The original series of Tom and Jerry was produced by the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer cartoon studio from 1940 to 1958. During this time, Hanna and Barbera directed 114 shorts for MGM. The series won seven Academy Awards for Animated Short Film, tying it with Walt Disney's Silly Symphonies as the most-awarded theatrical animated series.

In 1960, MGM revived the series with Gene Deitch directing 13 shorts for Rembrandt Films. These were followed by 34 shorts directed by Chuck Jones at Sib-Tower 12 Productions between 1963 and 1967. The series was later revived for television, with new productions such as The Tom and Jerry Show (1975), The Tom and Jerry Comedy Show (1980–1982), Tom and Jerry Kids (1990–1993), and Tom and Jerry Tales (2006–2008).

Characters

• Tom: A blue-grey domestic cat who is the main protagonist and antagonist of the series. Tom is known for his attempts to capture Jerry, though he rarely succeeds.
• Jerry: A small, brown, house mouse who is the main protagonist and antagonist of the series. Jerry is known for his cleverness and ability to evade Tom's attempts to catch him.
• Spike: A bulldog who often appears as a protector of Jerry and sometimes as an adversary to Tom.
• Tyke: Spike's son, who occasionally appears in the series.
• Nibbles: A small, grey mouse who is sometimes depicted as Jerry's nephew.

Themes and Style

Tom and Jerry is characterized by its slapstick comedy and the use of music to enhance the action. The series relies heavily on visual gags and physical comedy, with minimal dialogue. The music, composed by Scott Bradley, plays a significant role in setting the tone and pacing of the episodes.

The series often features elaborate chase sequences, with Tom devising various schemes to catch Jerry, who invariably outsmarts him. The humor is derived from the exaggerated violence and the creative ways in which the characters interact with their environment.

Cultural Impact

Tom and Jerry has had a significant impact on popular culture and has been referenced in numerous other works. The series has been praised for its animation quality and comedic timing. It has also been the subject of controversy due to its depiction of violence and racial stereotypes in some episodes.

The franchise has spawned numerous spin-offs, merchandise, and adaptations, including feature films and video games. It remains popular with audiences of all ages and continues to be broadcast worldwide.

Also see

• Looney Tunes
• Merrie Melodies
• The Flintstones
• The Jetsons
• Scooby-Doo