Tom speaks in this cartoon, and also breaks the fourth wall, albeit silently.
This episode marks the first time Spike speaks
As with other cartoons of this era, careful attention is paid to the background illustrations. In later years, they would become more one dimensional. Note the mail box, paste can, a potted geranium, a gutter, even the garbage bins and alley fence boards.
Tom looks more feline here, as he did in the earlier cartoons, with long whiskers, noticeable fur, and fine, plump paws.
An old fashioned round gumball machine is seen, a common sight in front of business during the era. They still exist in more modern designs (usually square) but dispense many other items now besides gum.