A Slice of History Tom and Jerry is an American animated media franchise with short animated films typically lasting between 5 and 7 minutes. Created by the prolific William Hanna and Joseph Barbera in 1940 and is best known for the 161 shorts created, initially by MGM Studios. When MGM Studios closed in 1957, the pair revived the animation with 13 more shorts, and, at this time, Tom and Jerry became the highest-grossing animated series of all time.
Interesting post in what must be one of the most recognisable cartoons of all time - I love the name Jasper and Jinx! Although it's difficult now to think of them being anything other than Tom and Jerry, of course. I was especially interested to read about the controversies and changes to the show, influenced by cultural changes.
I’d forgotten that Tom had had another name, but as soon as I read that I remembered a snippet the cartoon it appears in. I can just see the stockinged feet of the lady in her slippers and apron, up on the stool, waving her broom, yelling “Jasper!” in that Southern accent they gave her.
I don’t think I’d ever twigged that she was black, or likely either poor or a housekeeper/cleaner, as an elderly neighbour dressed a bit like that on cleaning day. 😆 Racial profiling went over your head a bit when you were a kid in 80s rural England.
Glad they listened to the public and moved with the times!
You are so right, it went over my head too but, like you I am glad that they changed things to go with society and cultural changes. Thank you for taking the time to post 🤩
That Whoopi Goldberg intro is really interesting and reflective. It probably causes a lot more thinking about the cartoons while people watched them (rather than not watching them and not thinking). Thanks for sharing this.
I loved Tom and Jerry but I used to get so angry with how Tom was always getting in trouble. The odd episode where Tom won I felt this real sense of pride and vindication 😂
For all its faults, I loved Tom and Jerry as a kid (to be fair, there wasn't much else on TV then in England). I also enjoyed sharing it with my sons many years later. The second time around, I grew to admire the work of Chuck Jones. He brought a kind of noir vibe which the adult me appreciated. Thank you for bringing it all back!
It’s a classic even 83 years after it was first shown. Thanks for reading.
It’s hard not to side with the under dog, well under cat here. Even his small victories were always good to see. 🥳
You are so right, generations have enjoyed its simplicity.
It really shows a social change as the cartoon has developed for sure. Thanks for reading 😎
Interesting post in what must be one of the most recognisable cartoons of all time - I love the name Jasper and Jinx! Although it's difficult now to think of them being anything other than Tom and Jerry, of course. I was especially interested to read about the controversies and changes to the show, influenced by cultural changes.
Thanks for this. It was a great one to research and find the cultural links.
I’d forgotten that Tom had had another name, but as soon as I read that I remembered a snippet the cartoon it appears in. I can just see the stockinged feet of the lady in her slippers and apron, up on the stool, waving her broom, yelling “Jasper!” in that Southern accent they gave her.
I don’t think I’d ever twigged that she was black, or likely either poor or a housekeeper/cleaner, as an elderly neighbour dressed a bit like that on cleaning day. 😆 Racial profiling went over your head a bit when you were a kid in 80s rural England.
Glad they listened to the public and moved with the times!
You are so right, it went over my head too but, like you I am glad that they changed things to go with society and cultural changes. Thank you for taking the time to post 🤩
That Whoopi Goldberg intro is really interesting and reflective. It probably causes a lot more thinking about the cartoons while people watched them (rather than not watching them and not thinking). Thanks for sharing this.
I used to love watching this cartoon :) it’s interesting to read about the controversies associated with older episodes. Thank you for sharing
I loved Tom and Jerry but I used to get so angry with how Tom was always getting in trouble. The odd episode where Tom won I felt this real sense of pride and vindication 😂
For all its faults, I loved Tom and Jerry as a kid (to be fair, there wasn't much else on TV then in England). I also enjoyed sharing it with my sons many years later. The second time around, I grew to admire the work of Chuck Jones. He brought a kind of noir vibe which the adult me appreciated. Thank you for bringing it all back!
Thanks as always, Jon. Another wonderful trip down memory lane!