Push-Button Kitty (1952)

 

Though Push-Button Kitty seems like just another Tom and Jerry short, it actually does have some historical significance. It is the last appearance of Tom's original owner (often referred to by fans as Mammy Two-Shoes). However, she would be brought back much later for the TV series Tom and Jerry Tales. There she would be renamed Mrs. Two-Shoes and instead of being the black stereotype seen in the theatrical cartoons, she is white in that series. With the cartoon Pet Peeve (1954), Tom would have new owners a couple named George and Joan. With Push-Button Kitty being the last appearance of Tom's original owner, it is appropriate that she plays a larger role here than usual. 

In this short film, Tom's owner gets a new robotic cat to help her get rid of Jerry. The robotic cat is very good at this job. It throws Jerry out of the house and Tom is not happy about being replaced. The two foes team up to get rid of this mechanical menace.  

This is a very fun cartoon. The premise is a delightfully clever one and the ways that Tom and Jerry get revenge on the robot cat are incredibly clever. This clever story really helps this film stand out among the many Tom and Jerry cartoons. Even the various methods that the robotic cat uses to catch Jerry are very clever and creative. It is also always a delight to see Tom and Jerry team up together. It is wonderful how this can be done while keeping both of them fully in character. It just shows how strong of characters both of them are. There may not be the sheer wealth of great gags that are in the Tom and Jerry cartoons of the 1940's. However, the great gags there are here are truly funny. The final gag is absolutely hilarious.   

The credited animators on this film are Irven Spence, Ed Barge and Kenneth Muse. This is the 70th Tom and Jerry theatrical cartoon overall. The film is available on the DVD set, The Tom and Jerry Spotlight Collection Vol. 2. This cartoon would essentially be remade as the Tom and Jerry Tales episode, Tin Cat of Tomorrow (2007).

Below is the typically ugly movie poster for this film.