Tom and Jerry

Tom and Jerry cartoons are by far, some of the funniest ever made! They always have a great jazz or classical soundtrack and show different lifestyles from the 40's and 50's. A lot of attention goes into details such as table settings, world events, popular music of the day, and usually the legs of any people involved. I enjoy when Tom or Jerry have love interests because they're always dolled up like screen sirens! Since they are set during the 40's and 50's, there are elements that capture how society behaved such as what they listened to, how they dressed and where they lived. It is a study in vintage civilization, albeit from a cat and mouse point of view.

"The Zoot Cat" shows us that a stylish suit is the difference between being corny and being with it! Tom meticulously grooms himself in preparation to court Toots, a real swingin' jazz baby. He struts confidently to her door, and is told to get lost after trying his hardest to impress her. Discovering that he needs to 'get hep to the jive', he fashions a Zoot Suit from a lamp shade and a hammock and Toots swoons with approval. Jerry's efforts to sabotage Tom's jitterbugging lead to disaster for the Zoot Cat.

In "Solid Serenade" we see Tom attempting to serenade his lady, much to Jerry's annoyance. Please note her bedtime beauty routine of curling her hair and plucking her eyebrows, and then her feverish excitement upon discovering him below her window, bass fiddle in hand. A little lipstick, mascara and powder and she appears at the balcony poised to receive her gentleman caller. Check out those red bows! Tom tries in earnest to woo his love in spite of the fact that Killer is hot on his trail.


"Mouse in Manhattan" is one of my favorites! The music is alluring and makes you want to pretend you are Ginger Rogers and paint the town! Jerry decides he is tired of country life and leaves for the big city. Arriving at Grand Central, he is easily impressed with all of the sights and amenities Manhattan has to offer. Checking out the gams in beautiful shoes, he quickly finds himself navigating through traffic and winds up at the Starlite Room. One of the highlights includes dancing on the tabletops with the doll place settings. His enchanted evening soon turns to a series of mishaps and finds himself running all the way home.