Problema Canino

"Dog Trouble" a "Tom and Jerry" classic short from 1942 is one that's full of chase as the big bad dog Spike is on full display with his sharp teeth! In fact in this episode Tom and Jerry are even buddies as they run and battle Spike the dog. The story is simple as Spike is awakened he does plenty of chasing and going after the cat and mouse! Overall one of the better and early episodes that's a showcase of having the trio on display as the have their fun little chase battles! The scenes and technicolor is in top notch fine form as this is once again a cartoon classic.

As a big fan of Tom and Jerry, I have already seen all their Short Films from the Hanna Barbera Era to the Gene Deitch Era (only those that were released in Cinema count, I have not seen the complete Television Series), and Dog Trouble does not It disappoints in no aspect and leaves you very satisfied after seeing it.

This was the first appearance of the Iconic Bulldog Spike, although he does not have his usual Personality and Design, he brings a lot to the cartoon.

The animation as in any other Tom and Jerry short (only those from 1940-1954 because the ones after 1954 gave a very Notable Downturn to their animation) here the Movements are Fluid and the Designs Show Advance and they already look like what would be in the future, Spike's Design to be his First Appearance looks Pretty Good.

The Music as Always is Frenetic and quite funny, there is no doubt that without it the cartoon would not be so funny!

In itself, Dog Trouble is not the best of Tom and Jerry but it is a really special Short for being the First appearance of Spike and showing advances in the character designs, the chases are great and make the short memorable and for that I give it a 9!.

Tom and Jerry, like Disney and Looney Tunes, were a huge part of my childhood, ever since seeing the entire collection at my sister's now deceased godfather's house when I was about 5 or 6. Dog Trouble was one of the first T&J cartoons, that particular era for T&J cartoons were very interesting and are well made and fun but there is the sense that they were still trying to find their feet. You do get that vibe here in Dog Trouble with the routine story and a rather crudely drawn Spike(coincidentally in his first collaboration with the duo). However, the rest of the animation in Dog Trouble is great, the colours are luscious and the backgrounds show detail and fluidity. The music is one of my personal favourites of the early T&J cartoons, just love the trombone motif, the musical laugh idea I have seen a fair bit when it comes to animation but still worked very well here. The gags are as ever physical humour-based, they come thick and fast and are funny, while the chase sequences while not the most original on the block still add to the not-too-rushed-but-never-a-bore pace of Dog Trouble. I also loved the characterisations, Tom is showing a crafty side here, Spike is at his most dog-like and Jerry still is endearing but clever. All in all, very good, just not among Tom and Jerry's best. 8/10 Bethany Cox

Dog Trouble (1942)

*** (out of 4)

Tom and Jerry are once again fighting, chasing each other and causing all sorts of trouble but their problems get a lot bigger when Tom accidentally crashes into a large dog. Soon the dog is chasing not only Tom but also Jerry so the two must form a bond to try and take care of the dog. Once again there's a lot of nice imagination on display here from Hanna and Barbara and as you'd expect the animation is extremely good. When one watches a short from Tom and Jerry you expect laughs and action and we get plenty of both here. The highlight is certainly the scene where Tom finds himself on top a clock tricking the dog into jumping after him while Jerry sets up their plan. The "woof" sounds from the dog are also great. If you're a fan of the series then this here is another winner.

Tom and Jerry on the same side? It didn't happen often but it happens in this early Tom and Jerry cartoon. This is the one the big bulldog is first introduced. "Spike," as we know him, is bigger and scarier than he was in future cartoons, although he never was a slouch in the "scare" department. However, he's like a roaring lion in this one, going after both Tom and Jerry after the latter two were going at each other.

This cartoon is so-so, at best, however. Most Tom and Jerry cartoons, in my opinion, in the first year or two were weak in comparison to the rest of the way. The humor isn't as clever in here and the chase routines are just that: routine. Frankly, I never laughed at anything in here. This one had historical value, and little else.