A Mouse in Manhattan
Jerry Mouse decides to leave Tom behind and capture the excitement of the Big Apple. And what a lot of excitement there is-- skyscrapers, high-heeled shoes, cute cut-out girls, the sewer. And, of course, the many dangers that a country mouse doesn't grasp about the city. Jerry then high-tails it home, happy to be there.
This is a wonderful hat's off to New York City, along with the Gershwineque music in the background. But it is all silent, somewhere between Keaton and Lloyd. But it really exemplifies the direction of American silents, the goofy overtaking the sentimental, but it also reminds us of the awe and beauty that the silents used to have. This isn't just comedy, it is almost worship of the Great American City. The animation is almost glowing and Jerry never looked better. Also, why does no one talk about Jerry as one of the great dancers of the silver screen?
4/5
Quiet Please!
This Tom and Jerry cartoon won the Oscar for Best Animated Short of 1945.
Spike, the local bulldog, has been disturbed by T and J's antics, trying to take a nap. So he threatens Tom, which gives Jerry the bright idea of making a bunch of noise, trying to disturb Spike.
This animation has a number of short speeches, including a sentence by Tom, which is almost unheard of. Spike's initial speech is necessary to establish the plot, but the rest just detracted from the classic formula. We get some almost Itchy and Scratchy level violence in this episode, but that doesn't add anything to the comedy. Frankly, I think a Mouse in Manhattan should have gotten the Oscar.
3/5