Inconsistent is a good way to describe the quality of Terrytoons Studios output. The music is always one of the best assets, while the animation became a strength over-time and the most improved component. Sadly they were more hit and miss in the characterisation and content. My main reason for seeing Terrytoons' output was for completest sake, to see as many of their overall output as possible. Another reason was for being interested in seeing older cartoons from lower-budget and comparitively lesser known studios.
1947 saw all of the above, some cartoons being better than others, the music and animation being merits and characterisation and content being hit and miss. This was not unexpected, given that from 1929 onwards hit and miss has been the general standard for Terrytoons, but some years fared worse than others. It was also not expected that what tended to work in Terrytoons cartoons from previous years and what didn't could be seen in the 1947 output too. It does have to be said though that generally the studio had advanced quite a bit since first starting out. 'The Dead End Cats' is better than the previous Mighty Mouse cartoon 'Crying Wolf', it is very formulaic but at least it doesn't feel as uneven, strange or have characters as impossible to get behind. Wouldn't say though that it was great.
'The Dead End Cats' certainly has good things. It is well animated, one doesn't in all fairness expect much less for Terrytoons at this stage. It is nicely detailed, lively and colourful without being garish and is really quite sumptuous. Again, the music is a big strength, being again quite incredible. It is beautifully and cleverly orchestrated and arranged, is terrific fun to listen to and the lively energy is present throughout, doing so well with adding to the action.
Really enjoyed the cat characters on the whole, they are amusing and menacing. One even evoking fond memories of Edward G. Robinson. The cartoon is not devoid of gags and they aren't as corny or as tired as they can be in the Mighty Mouse cartoons. There is charm and the last third, while predictable, is still exciting. Mighty Mouse here feels necessary to the story, as there is a little more to his role here than just saving the day in the last 2 or so minutes.
However, there are very few surprises in the story and the pace is erratic, sometimes perfect and at other times because the story is so formulaic there is a lack of energy and it can feel tired.
The mice characters are little different from other mice needing to be rescued characters in Mighty Mouse's cartoons, and similar cartoons in animation overall. The cats' intelligence can be called into question here, their way of trying to get rid of Mighty Mouse and seeming to think that it would be effective is not so easy to swallow.
Concluding, decent. 6/10