Dog Trouble

"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.

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.

When I first heard of this cartoon, I thought it wouldn't be very good. Tom and Jerry teaming up? Most episodes revolving around that premise are bad or fine, but Dog Trouble is actually a lot of fun. This is probably because of Spike. Unlike later characterizations, he goes after both Tom and Jerry, something refreshing when compared to his blatant love of Jerry later on. Nothing really stands out about this cartoon though. While a fun short, with the team up and meaner Spike, it's just not very notable. It's a basic Tom/Jerry/Spike short with a twist, and while that's entertaining, it doesn't stand out in any other ways. It's just a good, classic, fun Tom and Jerry short.

Sigh... Why can't cartoons be made like this anymore? The plot line is so simple -- an angry dog (soon to be known as "Spike") is after both Tom and Jerry, who have to learn to work together to get the better of him. The pacing is perfect--not too frantic, but never dull. It's a little disconcerting to see a more crudely drawn Spike lacking the personality he would later have, but he does act much more like a real dog in this cartoon. I especially like the soundtrack of "Dog Trouble." Jerry's musical "laugh" is adorable, and Tom's jazzy trombone motif is classy and catchy. So many cartoons today feel hyper and disorienting. The classic era of Tom and Jerry couldn't be more different than this. I feel like I could easily find my way around the T&J house, and I even have a good idea of the furniture and dishes I might find there. This careful use of physical space, quality music, and even pacing creates a cartoon that is pleasing and entertaining for any age viewer.

Tom and Jerry are doing their usual chasing-around-the-house/cat tail in a mousetrap antics when Tom slams right into the sleeping big bulldog later to be known as Spike. Angery at being woken from his peaceful sleep, he chases after the cat and mouse, forcing them to team up to defeat him.

Jerry sets the trap while Tom uses himself as bait, soon enough the house is trashed and Spike is thrown out. Really simple stuff with only some slight invention. Mammy-Two-Shoes makes an appearance, but chances are you'll see the PC version in which she is unnatually re-dubbed to sound less 'racist'. Whatever!