Sniffles Bells the Cat

In the late 1930s through much of the 1940s, Looney Tunes tried to make Sniffles a beloved cartoon character. The problem is that the public never took to him and I think it's because unlike other recurring characters from the studio from this era, he's not edgy or funny...just dreadfully cute.

When "Sniffles Bells the Cat", a whole bunch of mice (all which look like Sniffles) are hiding from the cat and are lamenting that they never can hear him sneaking up on them. So they elect Sniffles to sneak out and tie a bell around the cat...so they can hear him coming from now on.

Throughout the short, I was hoping the cat would eat Sniffles, but sadly the mouse isn't eaten. Fortunately, while I didn't love the cartoon it's far less saccharine than most of Sniffles' outings. In other words, if you dislike this one because it's so cute, don't try any of his others...as they are much worse. At least this one has some edge to it and isn't 100% awful. At least the animation is very nice....much nicer than you'd see from some rival studios, such as Terry Toons.

Sniffles is my very favorite of all the Bugs Bunny characters. His adorable character is so innocent and childlike. His incessant talking is so comical with the way he has to take a long breath and then finishes his point with "Huh?"!!! I wish I could get all the films with him made for my home.

Chuck Jones is widely considered one of animation's finest directors/animators and for very good reason. When he was at his best, his cartoons were masterpieces of animation, comic timing, characterisation and wit.

The Sniffles cartoon series were very early efforts for Jones, and, while they are interesting from a historical perspective, it is safe to say that from personal opinion they really don't see him at his best. There is somewhat of a still finding his feet feel here, with the humour once he became a regular director for the Looney Tunes/Merrie Melodies cartoons becoming much funnier, more constant and wittier and the characterisation far more interesting.

'Sniffles Bells the Cat' is not one of the best cartoons featuring the character. It's nice enough but it's not particularly great. The story is pretty flimsy and there is an over-familiarity with the premise. The funny moments are only amusing and there aren't quite enough and the cartoon does seem to be trying too hard to be cute with the other mice, who are cloying.

However, Sniffles is sweet and well-meaning and the cat is a good antagonistic contrast, a far more interesting characterisation of cats than in 'Naughty But Mice'. 'Sniffles Bells the Cat' is likable and amusing.

As to be expected, the animation is very good. It is lush and vibrant in colour and meticulous and beautifully drawn in detail. The character designs are fluid, well drawn and distinctive Jones, if not the creative ones of his very best cartoons. Carl Stalling's music is lush and characterful, with clever orchestration and a mastery of not just adding to the action but enhancing it as well (Stalling was a near-unequalled master at this, though Scott Bradley gave him a run for his money).

On the whole, decent. 6/10 Bethany Cox

OK, so Chuck Jones's first star was the cute-ad-nauseam Sniffles; I would call him the last shred of the Warner Bros. animation department trying to act like Disney (it affirmed their total break from the Disney mold once Bugs Bunny became their cartoon star). Personally, I think that some of that rodent's actions are going to get him killed or something.

But there's something else. While "Sniffles Bells the Cat" is supposed to be a "cute" cartoon, that title sounds to me like it belongs on a porno flick. Maybe it's just because I've seen "Myra Breckinridge" (you'll know what I mean if you see the movie) or it might be something else, but to me that's the most unusual title for a "cute" cartoon.

Anyway, this comes across as a place holder between the really great cartoons.

Chuck Jones is a good director, but Sniffles has to be his low point. I never really liked any of the Sniffles cartoons. They're not exactly funny, IMHO.

The mice in this, including Sniffles, are very depressing to look at, and listen to. And Sniffles is such an idiot thinking that he could NEGOTIATE to put a bell on that cat! They make you want to fall asleep or depress you throughout the cartoon. If you want to see cartoons for some relief or lighten up, do not watch this one. I personally wanted to see Sniffles get the axe in some of his cartoons!!!

* out of ****