The Cat Came Back

Mr Johnson lives alone with only his tuba giving him happiness. So when a small cat is dropped on his doorstep he reacts with happiness. This is short lived as the cat breaks a rattle he had had since being a baby. He decides to get rid of the cat straight away – I mean, how hard can it be? Well, thing is about that, the cat came back the very next day and no matter what Johnson tries to do it continues to do so.

I haven't seen this film for years and indeed cannot even remember where it was that I originally saw it. So watching it again recently was quite enjoyable as I got a rush of memory lane. The idea is simple but produces a handful of nice scenarios where the man is trying to get rid of the cat. These are funny but it is the overall delivery of the film that makes it as amusing and enjoyable as it is. The animation is bright and colourful and the portrayal of the cute, harmless little yellow cat contrasts well with what is happening as a result of it being around. The catchy and simple song played over the top is also cheerful and amusing.

Inventive but yet simple, this cartoon has a slightly cruel sense of humour but yet delivers it in a cheerful and colourful manner that contrasts well and creates an entertaining air of comedy. Short and entertaining short film that kids of all ages will be amused by.

Excellent short animated film about a pesky cat that won't go away! One day, someone knocks at the door, and leaves a cat. But Mr. Johnson's happiness rapidly turns into a nightmare. He can't get rid of the unwanted cat. Hilarious! I was almost rolling on the floor laughing when he's stuck in the cave with the rats! And don't forget, a cat has nine lives! I would have to agree that this is one of the funniest animated film around. Great product again from the National Film Board of Canada. And the music is adding to the fun.

Seen twice at home, in Toronto, on December 31st, 2004.

88/100 (***½)

This cartoon was nominated for the Oscar for Best Animated Short Film in 1989. It lost to an amazing film from Pixar, THE TIN TOY, but that doesn't mean that THE CAT CAME BACK is a bad film--just of a much simpler and older style than the CGI film.

The graphics for this short are far from great but given the subject matter, this actually helped the film--giving it a certain kooky charm. The film begins with an angry guy playing the tuba when he is interrupted by the arrival of a cute yellow cat. Despite being cute, though, the cat is super-destructive and impossible to get rid of no matter what the man does. In the end, he does get rid of the cat once and for all....or so he thinks! The craziness and over the top style are what make this simple film. While nothing new here, it is done with such style and fun that anyone seeing it will be hooked.

I have seen a lot of funny cartoons, but very few which brought a big smile to my face the entire duration of the film. I just could not believe how good this was, from the hilarious animation - mainly "Mr. Johnson," to the clever jokes that are in here one after the other after the other.

Kudos to Cordell Barker for his story, direction and animation. It's an unbelievably entertaining. story of guy who finds a little yellow cat on his welcome mat outside one day, and how this cat literally destroys the house and the owner. It also shows the many attempts the man makes to get rid of the cat but, as the title say, he keeps coming back.

I can see why this was nominated for an Oscar. What I don't understand is why it didn't win. I don't know how you can make a cartoon any better

There is a DVD out, named "Leonard Maltin's Animation Favorites From The National Film Board Of Canada. If for no other reason than this cartoon, purchasing that DVD would be worthwhile because this animated short is one of the best ever made

If you do simple comedy in the short form, the usual route is to have one comic situation that you elaborate with small jokes. In most cases, it is the small interstitial jokes that are funny, sometimes the things that are afterthoughts.

The context here is a man trying to dispose of an unwanted cat and getting foiled Wiley Coyote-wise. Most of these are less funny than you'd find in roadrunner or Toma and Jerry.

But one scenario has a side joke that is hilarious. Our man who is tortured by a cat is in a boat with the cat in a bag. He ends up on the lakebottom holding an anchor with the cat safely topside. The big joke is that around him on this lakebottom are dozens of similar bags, presumably with drowned cats.

Ted's Evaluation -- 2 of 3: Has some interesting elements.