Creation/Origin
The creation of Tom and Jerry can be attributed to cartoon masterminds of William Danby Hanna and Joseph Roland Barbera, founders of Hanna-Barbera Studios. Hanna-Barbera studios is known for creating classic cartoon shows such as The Jetsons, The Flintstones, Scooby Doo, and of course Tom and Jerry.
William Danby Hanna was born on July 14, 1910, in Melrose, New Mexico. He was able to get a job at the Harman-Ising animation studio in 1930 where he worked for seven years.
Joseph Roland Barbera was born in New York City in 1911. He started off working as an accountant at a law firm. After a short time as a magazine cartoonist, Barbera joined Van Beuren Studios in 1932 where he helped in the animation and script of the original Tom and Jerry. The original Van Beuren 'Tom and Jerry' cartoons depicted human characters who were often put in weird situations. MGM's "Tom and Jerry," the cartoon which most people know, stars a cat and a mouse.
In 1937, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) was organizing a new cartoon unit in Hollywood. Barbera headed west and joined MGM as a scriptwriter and later an animator. Meanwhile, Hanna was one of the first MGM staff members. In 1939 Hanna and Barbera were teamed up on the show that brought them cartoon fame, Tom and Jerry.
During the next 18 years, Hanna and Barbera worked together on over 200 Tom and Jerry cartoons, earning seven Academy Awards. In 1957, after being with MGM for 20 years, Hanna and Barbera struck out on their own. Their goal was to develop cartoons for television. Their independent Hanna-Barbera Studio would soon begin to represent the art of cartoon animation.
William Danby Hanna was born on July 14, 1910, in Melrose, New Mexico. He was able to get a job at the Harman-Ising animation studio in 1930 where he worked for seven years.
Joseph Roland Barbera was born in New York City in 1911. He started off working as an accountant at a law firm. After a short time as a magazine cartoonist, Barbera joined Van Beuren Studios in 1932 where he helped in the animation and script of the original Tom and Jerry. The original Van Beuren 'Tom and Jerry' cartoons depicted human characters who were often put in weird situations. MGM's "Tom and Jerry," the cartoon which most people know, stars a cat and a mouse.
In 1937, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) was organizing a new cartoon unit in Hollywood. Barbera headed west and joined MGM as a scriptwriter and later an animator. Meanwhile, Hanna was one of the first MGM staff members. In 1939 Hanna and Barbera were teamed up on the show that brought them cartoon fame, Tom and Jerry.
During the next 18 years, Hanna and Barbera worked together on over 200 Tom and Jerry cartoons, earning seven Academy Awards. In 1957, after being with MGM for 20 years, Hanna and Barbera struck out on their own. Their goal was to develop cartoons for television. Their independent Hanna-Barbera Studio would soon begin to represent the art of cartoon animation.
Interesting Facts
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Plot
The plot of Tom and Jerry is simply a representation of the never ending fight between cat and mouse. However, this is far from a simple cat and mouse chase.
For example, both Tom and Jerry often use different types of weapons, notably axes, hammers, firearms, and explosives. The use of such weapons has caused a debate as to whether or not the cartoons are too violent.
For example, both Tom and Jerry often use different types of weapons, notably axes, hammers, firearms, and explosives. The use of such weapons has caused a debate as to whether or not the cartoons are too violent.
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Episode of the WeekThe Midnight Snack- Ep. 2
Air date- July 19, 1941 Overview: Jerry decides to have a midnight snack but Tom won't let Jerry get away with it too easily. Watch it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VtSBkepIqE |
Evolution
The first 'Tom and Jerry' show was completed in late 1939 and released in theaters on February 10, 1940. It was titled Puss Gets the Boots and it centered around a gray tabby cat trying to catch a little brown mouse. In this first episode, the cat's name was not Tom. Instead, the gray cat was named Jasper while the mouse was named Jinx.
How did Tom and Jerry get their names?
After this success, Hanna and Barbera dedicated their time at MGM to directing and creating the cat and mouse duo that we know today. Hanna and Barbera held a studio contest to give the cat and mouse new names by pulling names out of the hat. John Carr, an animator for the show, won the contest (and $50) with his suggestion of 'Tom' and 'Jerry'.
Changes
During the mid 1940's, the show developed a much quicker, energetic, and consequently violent tone.
How did Tom and Jerry get their names?
After this success, Hanna and Barbera dedicated their time at MGM to directing and creating the cat and mouse duo that we know today. Hanna and Barbera held a studio contest to give the cat and mouse new names by pulling names out of the hat. John Carr, an animator for the show, won the contest (and $50) with his suggestion of 'Tom' and 'Jerry'.
Changes
During the mid 1940's, the show developed a much quicker, energetic, and consequently violent tone.
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