utgard14 Review of Hop, Look and Listen

Hop, Look and Listen (1948)

"I never thought just being a pussycat could get so complicated!"

[7/10 · 11 September 2015]

For my money, the best Sylvester cartoons which didn't have Tweety are the ones with the character who makes his debut in this cartoon, Hippety Hopper. For those who don't know, Hippety Hopper is a young kangaroo who is mistaken by Sylvester for an extra large mouse. Robert McKimson, director of this short, created the character and would find some clever ways to rework the same jokes over the years so they stayed funny. This first one is pretty simple and not the best of the bunch but it is good. Hippety escapes from a zoo and makes his way to Sylvester's house, where the cat is terrified by the sight of "a giant-sized mouse." Mike the bulldog gets in on the act and forces Sylvester to try and fight the mouse, due to "professional pride." The animation is colorful with well-drawn characters and backgrounds. The music is upbeat and jaunty. The legendary Mel Blanc handles the voice work and does a fantastic job, as always. The dialogue and gags are funny and the characters are likable. A must-see for Sylvester fans.