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.

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.

for many reasons, it is a certainly must see. for a lot of motifs. first - each cat lover discovers the stereotypes of life with adorable animal in precise description. second - Cordell Barker use the old gags in inspired manner. three - the compassion for the poor man , full of good intentions, terrorized by a monster is mixed with humor in beautiful way. four - after the meetings with so many sophisticated animations, it is a real refreshing to discover a kind of old fashion oasis. so, a great film. or, more specific, one of the lovely one.

This is, without doubt, one of the funniest animated films I've ever seen. Just the shape Johnson's pants is hilarious. The cat's systematic destruction of his house, his mum's picture, the drapes, the soundtrack of the rat blowing out his lighter--priceless. I've seen it a dozen times and every time I see it, I see something new. Brilliant and richly humorous. MD

This short, nominated for an Academy Award, is one of the two shorts produced under the auspieces of the National Film Board of Canada that most people would recognize (the other is Bob's Birthday) even if they've never seen anything else. The first time I saw this, I wondered if John Weldon and/or Cordell Barker had stood next to Richard Condie too long and mutated! I learned that Condie was directly and significantly involved in its creation. If you are one of the 28 people out there who haven't seen this cartoon, then why are you reading this? Go watch it, for heaven's sake! Most highly recommended.