Tom and Jerry

Tom and Jerry is an American animated media franchise and series of comedy short films created in 1940 by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera. It centers on a rivalry between its two title characters, Tom Cat and Jerry Mouse, and many recurring characters, based around slapstick comedy.

History

The series was produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) and ran from 1940 to 1958. During this time, Hanna and Barbera directed 114 shorts for MGM. The series won seven Academy Awards for Best Animated Short Film, tying it with Walt Disney's Silly Symphonies as the most-awarded theatrical animated series.

Characters

• Tom Cat: The main protagonist, a blue-grey house cat who is always trying to catch Jerry.
• Jerry Mouse: The main antagonist, a small brown mouse who always outsmarts Tom.
• Spike and Tyke: Spike is a bulldog who often appears as an adversary to Tom, and Tyke is his son.
• Mammy Two Shoes: A recurring character, often depicted as the owner of Tom.

Production

The animation style of Tom and Jerry was notable for its high production values, including detailed backgrounds and strong character animation. The series was known for its use of music, with Scott Bradley composing the scores for many of the shorts.

Legacy

Tom and Jerry has become one of the most popular and enduring series of all time. It has spawned various spin-offs, including television series, feature films, and merchandise. The characters have appeared in various other media and have been referenced in numerous other works.

Television Series

Several television series have been produced based on the original shorts:

• The Tom and Jerry Show (1975 TV series)
• Tom & Jerry Kids
• Tom and Jerry Tales
• The Tom and Jerry Show (2014 TV series)

Feature Films

Tom and Jerry have also appeared in several feature films, including:

• Tom and Jerry: The Movie
• Tom and Jerry: The Fast and the Furry
• Tom and Jerry: A Nutcracker Tale
• Tom and Jerry (2021 film)

Awards

Tom and Jerry has won several awards, including:

• Academy Awards for Best Animated Short Film (7 times)
• Annie Awards

Cultural Impact

The series has had a significant impact on popular culture and has been referenced in various other media. The characters of Tom and Jerry have become iconic and are recognized worldwide.

See Also

• List of Tom and Jerry characters
• List of Tom and Jerry episodes
• List of Tom and Jerry films