Tom im Liebesrausch

After quite a few less than impressive adventures (Trap Happy, The Milky Waif, Springtime for Thomas, Quiet Please!, and Flirty Birdy), it's great to see the cat and mouse duo back on form in Solid Serenade, which sees Tom attempting to woo a tasty white female cat by performing a rendition of "Is You Is, or Is You Ain't, My Baby?".

Unfortunately, the cat's romantic musical gesture isn't appreciated by Jerry, who is desperately struggling to catch some z's. In order to get some peace (and a little revenge, of course), the mouse sets about trying to ruin Tom's chances with the sexy feline. The result is a hilarious succession of brilliant slapstick moments and violent visual gags, with some particularly memorable moments: Jerry bouncing around his home as Tom slaps his bass; Tom 'playing' the lips of a bulldog named Killer (who looks suspiciously like Spike); Killer swapping his standard huge gnashers for a even larger set of fangs; and Tom receiving a sash window on his neck (ouch!).

Throw in some terrific comic facial expressions (including Tom's priceless look of sudden realisation), and you have an unmissable episode that is full of fun from start to finish.

The title of this Tom & Jerry short refers to Tom--who does something VERY uncharacteristic--you hear him sing. He serenades a cute lady cat with his rendition of "Is You Is or Is You Ain't". While he was careful to tie up Butch when the cartoon begins, he didn't anticipate the troubles he'd have with Jerry--who is MORE than willing to destroy Tom's good time--and untie Butch. Most of the film consist of Tom trying to stop Butch from killing him.

If you are familiar with the Tom & Jerry cartoons of this era, then it's no surprise that artistically it's among the best cartoon shorts you can find...period. While Tom & Jerry are quite predictable, these cartoons during their glory years of the 1940s cannot be matched even by Disney or Looney Tunes when it comes to the art. I always am amazed by the gorgeous backgrounds and colors--and this one is no exception. Overall, this is yet another marvelous Tom & Jerry cartoon. Not among the very best--but awfully good.

Tom sneaks into a well protected garden to serenade a gorgeous female kitty. But first he has to tie up Spike (here called 'Killer'). His chosen song is actually 'Is You Is Or Is You Ain't My Baby?', which is actually very cool song.

Too bad Jerry doesn't share the same sentiments. Tom's crooning is keeping him awake in his letterbox/bedroom and he just wants him to shut the hell up.

Jerry actually only gets to torment Tom a couple of times in this cartoon. Most of the pain is dished out by Spike. And it is very, very funny, with great visual jokes and humor.

My brother, sisters and I have loved Tom and Jerry since a very young age. Solid Serenade is one of my favourite cartoons of their, not my absolute favourite though. It is I agree quite violent especially the ending but it is certainly not the most violent, nor a cartoon that is so violent it's unwatchable. Plus the visual gags are funny and inventive. Also helping enormously are the lovely animation and the superb music, the song that Tom sings is really beautiful and romantic. The vocals weren't half bad either. The characters are fine as well, Spike(or Killer as he is known here) isn't given as much to do but he can be quite savage here, while Tom is both charming and dastardly and Jerry sweet and clever. Plus the female cat is a stunner! Overall, if you love Tom and Jerry this is a must see! 10/10 Bethany Cox

Just to hear Tom slapping that bass and singing, "Is You Is, or Is You Ain't, My Baby?" makes this one priceless! All the action flows from that serenade. Jerry either needs his sleep or is making an editorial comment on Tom's musical talents when he frees the bulldog. There is also a very important object lesson here: be very careful when closing your eyes in a romantic interlude! There was general merriment and joy overflowed the main environs and flooded surrounding areas! Highly recommended.