The Midnight Snack

Hey, at least we have the right names: Tom and Jerry. The first episode of this famous cartoon had the cat and mouse called "Jasper" and "Jinx." Now, at least we're headed in the right direction with the T&J we're used to seeing and hearing. Still, you know this an early cartoon just by the furry look on Tom.

The story is simply about raiding the refrigerator which we see Jerry doing, trying to haul off a big piece of cheese. Tom makes it difficult for him in an amusing sketch that is playful more than the sadistic things were saw in T&J 'toons in later years. Later, Tom decides to taste the goodies in the fridge, himself, and there is a semi-humorous scene with jello.

Still later, Tom frames Jerry as Mammy the maid comes down to investigate the noise. By the way, the presence of the maid, "Mammy," in some of these early cartoons brings the usual introduction of the DVD from Whoopi Goldberg, whom Warner Brothers apparently feels they have to hire to tell us uninformed folks all the politically-correct B.S. This woman comes across as condescending and phony, gives the same speech she gave in the Looney Tunes Golden Collection except she substitutes a few names. Note to Warner Brothers: hey, we know what's right and wrong; you don't have to tell us.

Overall, this wasn't much and not really recommended for those who have a seen a bunch of Tom and Jerry cartoons from the later '40s and 1950s. Tom still doesn't look like "Tom" and the humor has none of the familiar edge to it. I guess they were still getting the kinks out before settling down with the kind of characters and stories that made them famous.

The Midnight Snack (1941)

*** (out of 4)

THE MIDNIGHT SNACK would be the second Tom and Jerry cartoon but the first to use those names. The story has Jerry sneaking into the icebox for some cheese but when Tom catches him he decides to add some "weight" to make Jerry struggle. From here it's an all out war as Tom once again tortures the poor mouse until the maid comes to see what's going on. THE MIDNIGHT SNACK isn't the best film in the series but if you're a fan then there are enough clever moments to make it worth viewing. The highlight is some early creativity, which includes some bread being used as steps as Jerry is forced to work for his meal. There's a lot of fun action throughout as glasses are broken and various other bits of damage done.

The characters went through several different design changes from the early 1940s through to the 1960s, most often as a result of different directors. The most dramatic changes were made between the original design in the first cartoons and the characters' form that most would instantly think of as Tom and Jerry. This short is one of the earliest ones and things were still in flux.

This also has an appearance by Mammy Two Shoes and has Tom and Jerry going at it furiously, each trying to come out ahead, though Jerry is probably also trying to get some peace and some breathing room as well. Good fun and amusement all around. Well worth looking for. Recommended.

The Midnight Snack is definitely an improvement over Puss Gets the Boot. The character designs have improved over Puss Gets the Boot, with Tom being bluer, and a bit softer, while Jerry looks a little less ratty. The episode is also funnier, with some moments including Tom getting hit by the trash can and Jerry getting objects stacked on top of his cheese. This episode is unfortunately one of the longer ones, and for a minute, it really drags along slowly. The downside to this cartoon is definitely it's runtime. It could be shortened to 7-8 minutes long. Otherwise, this cartoon is pretty fun, but the length definitely ruins some of it.

Not only the best Tom and Jerry film, but the best animated short I've ever seen. The timing, the animation, the character expressions, the sound effects... Not one false note. This one leaves me in stitches every time.