Solid Serenade (1946)

At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

Exactly the movie you think it is, but not the movie you want it to be.

Worth seeing just to witness how winsome it is.

My brother, sisters and I have loved Tom and Jerry since a very young age. Solid Serenade is one of my favourite cartoons of their, not my absolute favourite though. It is I agree quite violent especially the ending but it is certainly not the most violent, nor a cartoon that is so violent it's unwatchable. Plus the visual gags are funny and inventive. Also helping enormously are the lovely animation and the superb music, the song that Tom sings is really beautiful and romantic. The vocals weren't half bad either. The characters are fine as well, Spike(or Killer as he is known here) isn't given as much to do but he can be quite savage here, while Tom is both charming and dastardly and Jerry sweet and clever. Plus the female cat is a stunner! Overall, if you love Tom and Jerry this is a must see! 10/10 Bethany Cox

After quite a few less than impressive adventures (Trap Happy, The Milky Waif, Springtime for Thomas, Quiet Please!, and Flirty Birdy), it's great to see the cat and mouse duo back on form in Solid Serenade, which sees Tom attempting to woo a tasty white female cat by performing a rendition of "Is You Is, or Is You Ain't, My Baby?".Unfortunately, the cat's romantic musical gesture isn't appreciated by Jerry, who is desperately struggling to catch some z's. In order to get some peace (and a little revenge, of course), the mouse sets about trying to ruin Tom's chances with the sexy feline. The result is a hilarious succession of brilliant slapstick moments and violent visual gags, with some particularly memorable moments: Jerry bouncing around his home as Tom slaps his bass; Tom 'playing' the lips of a bulldog named Killer (who looks suspiciously like Spike); Killer swapping his standard huge gnashers for a even larger set of fangs; and Tom receiving a sash window on his neck (ouch!).Throw in some terrific comic facial expressions (including Tom's priceless look of sudden realisation), and you have an unmissable episode that is full of fun from start to finish.

Tom sneaks into a well protected garden to serenade a gorgeous female kitty. But first he has to tie up Spike (here called 'Killer'). His chosen song is actually 'Is You Is Or Is You Ain't My Baby?', which is actually very cool song.Too bad Jerry doesn't share the same sentiments. Tom's crooning is keeping him awake in his letterbox/bedroom and he just wants him to shut the hell up.Jerry actually only gets to torment Tom a couple of times in this cartoon. Most of the pain is dished out by Spike. And it is very, very funny, with great visual jokes and humor.

Just to hear Tom slapping that bass and singing, "Is You Is, or Is You Ain't, My Baby?" makes this one priceless! All the action flows from that serenade. Jerry either needs his sleep or is making an editorial comment on Tom's musical talents when he frees the bulldog. There is also a very important object lesson here: be very careful when closing your eyes in a romantic interlude! There was general merriment and joy overflowed the main environs and flooded surrounding areas! Highly recommended.