Amour, amour

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

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.

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.

I love solid serenade. It is not funny, it's hilarious!!!! Go see it. You won't regret it. -rockyandyipper

Spike the dog (here called Killer, in later cartoons he'd be called Butch) is tied up by Tom the cat so he can serenade the lady he has his eye on with the song "Is you is or is you ain't my baby". He wakes up Jerry the mouse, who tortures him for his act of love by throwing stuff at him. This prompts Tom to grow aggravated and the game of cat and mouse is on. Jerry unties Butch (Killer) to let the dog get into the action. This is a great Tom and Jerry cartoon and Tom's singing is classic stuff. This hilarious cartoon short can be found on disc one of the Spotlight collection DVD of "Tom & Jerry"

My Grade: A