Dog Trouble

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.

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 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!

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.

"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.