The Cat Came Back (1988) User Reviews

Typically great short from the NFB

[Tito-8 · 8/10 · 2 July 1999]

Canada's National Film Board has produced a seemingly endless number of terrific shorts over the years, and this is one of the best ones. There are numerous funny moments in this thoroughly enjoyable cartoon, and the closing scene is a perfect and appropriate end to the film. If you ever come across this film, please take a few minutes and give it a chance. You will not be disappointed.

simple joy

[SnoopyStyle · 8/10 · 9 April 2017]

Mr. Johnson is a tuba playing old man who adores his dead mother and lives alone in a house on a hill. He is overjoyed when somebody leaves a cat on his doorstep. It doesn't work out as the cat causes a multitude of problems. No matter how hard he tries to get rid of the cat, the cat always comes back.

This animated short is helped by the fun song which degenerates along with Mr. Johnson's frantic attempts. It's simple fun. There is a joy about this that is beyond the comedy. It always leaves a smile on my face.

"But the cat came back, the very next day, we thought he was a goner, but he wouldn't stay away!"

[Theshapeshifter · 8/10 · 8 January 2006]

I recall watching this ages ago on Cartoon Network, very late at night and it was hilarious. I can't recall how it happened exactly, but it was marvelous. The story is a short one; the story of a man named Mr. Johnson who lives alone in an if- anything, orderly house. With this in mind, it turns out one fateful day that a cat, adorable as can be, is left on his doorstep as an orphan would be. Eventually, the cat somehow makes it into the house and in but a few seconds, causes nothing but trouble for poor Mr. Johnson, by wrecking his home. Mr. Johnson does what he can to get rid of the cat, but is continually greeted with the cat's image in his home wrecking every single thing in sight, accompanied by none other than an off- screen chorus of: "But the cat came back, the very next day, The cat came back, We thought he was a goner, but he wouldn't stay away"

This cartoon is obscure, but ultimately funny and I highly recommend it to those who enjoy a good, if somewhat morbid, comedy.

Possibly The Best Cartoon I've Ever Seen

[ccthemovieman-1 · 10/10 · 12 July 2007]

I have seen a lot of funny cartoons, but very few which brought a big smile to my face the entire duration of the film. I just could not believe how good this was, from the hilarious animation - mainly "Mr. Johnson," to the clever jokes that are in here one after the other after the other.

Kudos to Cordell Barker for his story, direction and animation. It's an unbelievably entertaining. story of guy who finds a little yellow cat on his welcome mat outside one day, and how this cat literally destroys the house and the owner. It also shows the many attempts the man makes to get rid of the cat but, as the title say, he keeps coming back.

I can see why this was nominated for an Oscar. What I don't understand is why it didn't win. I don't know how you can make a cartoon any better

There is a DVD out, named "Leonard Maltin's Animation Favorites From The National Film Board Of Canada. If for no other reason than this cartoon, purchasing that DVD would be worthwhile because this animated short is one of the best ever made

Just absolutely marvelous!

[llltdesq · 10/10 · 6 December 2001]

This short, nominated for an Academy Award, is one of the two shorts produced under the auspieces of the National Film Board of Canada that most people would recognize (the other is Bob's Birthday) even if they've never seen anything else. The first time I saw this, I wondered if John Weldon and/or Cordell Barker had stood next to Richard Condie too long and mutated! I learned that Condie was directly and significantly involved in its creation. If you are one of the 28 people out there who haven't seen this cartoon, then why are you reading this? Go watch it, for heaven's sake! Most highly recommended.

Brilliant!

[michelledischer · 12 June 2003]

This is, without doubt, one of the funniest animated films I've ever seen. Just the shape Johnson's pants is hilarious. The cat's systematic destruction of his house, his mum's picture, the drapes, the soundtrack of the rat blowing out his lighter--priceless. I've seen it a dozen times and every time I see it, I see something new. Brilliant and richly humorous. MD

The Cat Came Back

[CinemaSerf · 7/10 · 2 April 2024]

"Mr. Johnson" is minding his own business, sitting in his chair playing his French horn when an incessant knock at his front door reveals a gift! A small cat is delivered as if it were an Easter egg in a basket. Initially enamoured, he tries to play with the thing but getting no response he decides to be rid of it. Sadly, the cat isn't giving up and thanks to a rather wittily constructed ditty we follow his efforts to be cat-free and it's effort to drive him from what is gradually becoming his ruined home. It's actually got something of a "Tom & Jerry" storyline to it, and in the end I felt a little sorry for the poor old man as "the cat came back", again and again, and again. The animation is lively and action-packed, with critters of all sorts taking part and his desperation leads to fairly eternal consequences. Good fun.

Here Owner, Owner, Owner!

[K-Slicer · 10/10 · 24 November 2002]

That phrase defines this darkly comic classic animated short. The drawing makes you feel like you are on some whacked acid trip. It is beyond stunning in my mind. I love the ways that Mr. Johnson will try to get rid of that sadistic yellow feline. Somehow, the cat keeps coming back and that song keeps playing when the cat comes back. This is a nightmare within a nightmare. I am sure someone out there owns a cat that they don't want around anymore but it keeps coming back for more and it refuses to back down. Funny, dark, warped, and awesome are the four words that sum up this quality piece of animation. I give it 10 out of 10!

Here ends my rant!

Painfully funny!

[LeRoyMarko · 9/10 · 31 December 2004]

Excellent short animated film about a pesky cat that won't go away! One day, someone knocks at the door, and leaves a cat. But Mr. Johnson's happiness rapidly turns into a nightmare. He can't get rid of the unwanted cat. Hilarious! I was almost rolling on the floor laughing when he's stuck in the cave with the rats! And don't forget, a cat has nine lives! I would have to agree that this is one of the funniest animated film around. Great product again from the National Film Board of Canada. And the music is adding to the fun.

Seen twice at home, in Toronto, on December 31st, 2004.

88/100 (***½)

Wild and weird--and I like it!

[planktonrules · 9/10 · 11 February 2008]

This cartoon was nominated for the Oscar for Best Animated Short Film in 1989. It lost to an amazing film from Pixar, THE TIN TOY, but that doesn't mean that THE CAT CAME BACK is a bad film--just of a much simpler and older style than the CGI film.

The graphics for this short are far from great but given the subject matter, this actually helped the film--giving it a certain kooky charm. The film begins with an angry guy playing the tuba when he is interrupted by the arrival of a cute yellow cat. Despite being cute, though, the cat is super-destructive and impossible to get rid of no matter what the man does. In the end, he does get rid of the cat once and for all....or so he thinks! The craziness and over the top style are what make this simple film. While nothing new here, it is done with such style and fun that anyone seeing it will be hooked.

Not much beyond the surface

[Horst_In_Translation · 4/10 · 27 September 2013]

This 1988 short film brought its director Cordell Barker his first of two Oscar nominations in the animated short film category, but lost to Pixar's very early "Tin Toy". The voice work is done by Richard Condie, another two-time Academy Award nominee from the Richard Condie. The premise for the full seven minutes is accurately described by the title. It's basically all about a man who finds a yellow cat as destructive as clingy in front of his door, but, after initial attraction, tries to get rid of it. Unsuccessfully. Story-wise it reminded me a bit of the Pepe Le Pew short films putting the man in the position of Pepe's favorite lady.

It's a decent film for children, but I don't think it offers much value to adults or for a rewatch. The animation is not too great, even for the 1980s and, while the title song is pretty OK, the story gets quickly repetitive, even for such a short running time. The ending is solid and maybe the funniest part of the film, but it can't save it.

And it's back again!

[acmelita · 10/10 · 9 January 2008]

This humorous short is based on a children's folk song that I recently learned dates back to 1893. The original song was written by Harry S. Miller under the dated and clumsy title "The Cat Came Back: A Comic Negro Absurdity." Cordell Barker alters the lyrics just slightly but the intent is wholly intact. That darn cat just won't leave!

There are many little pockets of funny in this over-all comedic short but one of my favorite is when Mr. Johnson tries to entertain the Evil Kitty with his old baby rattle and then looks lovingly at his baby picture. The year cited on the picture frame is 1903!

This is a modern classic and it has just been released at www.Filmporium.com on a compilation DVD ($5) with the droll "Village of Idiots" and the slapstick, hilarious "In the Rough". That's a lot of funny for the money.

This makes me proud to be Canadian

[DanB-4 · 10/10 · 31 May 1999]

This short was shown as a preview to "A Fish Called Wanda". The combination of the two left me in need of oxygen.

This is a mercilessly funny little short from the NFB of Canada based around the the little ditty of the same name. Poor Mr. Johnson and the cute yellow kitty create a series of comic images that will forever be tattooed in your brain. Pay close attention to what Mr. Johnson says as his rail car is about to strike a cow. Sometimes, the funniest words are the ones unspoken.

Seek this out - its only seven minutes but you will watch it again and again and again.

Fantastic and very funny

[JBLOSS · 9/10 · 11 July 2001]

I remember seeing this on UK Tv and laughing out loud when I saw it. It is basically a farce based around Old Mr Johnson getting a cute looking, but darn pesky, cat dumped on his doorstep and the lengths he goes to to try and get rid of it. Needless to say things don't go to plan....a number of times. The cat keeps coming back and driving Mr Johnson crazy - the soundtrack is perfect for this too. This is quite simply the best cartoon I've ever seen - it is full of dark humour and is really inventive and the ending is superb too. If you haven't seen this go and track it down.

Bags

[tedg · 13 September 2007]

If you do simple comedy in the short form, the usual route is to have one comic situation that you elaborate with small jokes. In most cases, it is the small interstitial jokes that are funny, sometimes the things that are afterthoughts.

The context here is a man trying to dispose of an unwanted cat and getting foiled Wiley Coyote-wise. Most of these are less funny than you'd find in roadrunner or Toma and Jerry.

But one scenario has a side joke that is hilarious. Our man who is tortured by a cat is in a boat with the cat in a bag. He ends up on the lakebottom holding an anchor with the cat safely topside. The big joke is that around him on this lakebottom are dozens of similar bags, presumably with drowned cats.

Ted's Evaluation -- 2 of 3: Has some interesting elements.

I laughed at this back when I was four. Fifteen years later, I'm still laughing.

[overtheedge27 · 10/10 · 26 March 2003]

I remember watching this on Nickelodeon when I was little, I laughed, and I sang along when they got to the chorus. I had almost forgotten about it until Cartoon Network was airing the 100 Greatest Cartoons of All Time, and this cartoon made it on the list. I fell in love with it all over again! it just never gets old and is certainly worth at least one look...make that two looks.

the funniest cartoon ever made!

[andynortonuk · 10/10 · 30 August 2002]

This is a mercilessly funny little short from the NFB of Canada based around the the little ditty of the same name. Poor Mr. Johnson and the cute yellow kitty create a series of comic images that will forever be tattooed in your brain. Pay close attention to what Mr. Johnson says as his rail car is about to strike a cow. Sometimes, the funniest words are the ones unspoken. And another thing, the music to this is well animated into seven minutes of the best short cartoon ever made! Seek this out - its only seven minutes but you will watch it again and again and again. It's a shame they didn't make a motion picture at the time evolving the same plot!

Great Song--Superb Animated Adventure

[Hitchcoc · 10/10 · 30 December 2015]

A little kitten is left at the doorstep of a man who lives alone in a little house. He takes the tiny feline in and it begins to dismantle his place. He tears up the carpet, rips the drapes, breaks things. The man has enough and begins to find ways to get rid of the cat. He begins with the most basic way, taking the cat into the woods and trying to leave it, only to be left behind himself. He tries to drown in it in a bag. No dice. The joy is in the perpetual failures. Every time the man comes back to the house, the cat has done even more damage, to the point where there is little left of it. We know that at some point there will be an ultimate effort to end it all. It has a really hilarious conclusion. Great little film.

Wonderful!

[eatcrowepls · 9/10 · 4 August 2018]

This is a classic Canadian animated short. They take the song "The Cat Came Back" and put animation to it, so that a man is trying to just get rid of his cat but it keeps coming back, even after it dies... it turns out the man simply cannot escape the cat at all, even in death. Very cute, very funny, and a song that everybody loves. Oscar nominated to boot!

Passes the generation test

[Nuttyboyandy · 9/10 · 28 April 2020]

I remember watching this on the BBC here in the UK many, many, many years ago although not entirely sure of the year and it thoroughly tickled all the right buttons. Skip to now and during this social distancing discobulation that we're all enduring and I came across it on with my little ones and it was a joy to behold watching them absolutely grinning and laughing at all the right points. I think this is going to be around for a long time to come.

delightful

[Kirpianuscus · 18 November 2017]

for many reasons, it is a certainly must see. for a lot of motifs. first - each cat lover discovers the stereotypes of life with adorable animal in precise description. second - Cordell Barker use the old gags in inspired manner. three - the compassion for the poor man , full of good intentions, terrorized by a monster is mixed with humor in beautiful way. four - after the meetings with so many sophisticated animations, it is a real refreshing to discover a kind of old fashion oasis. so, a great film. or, more specific, one of the lovely one.

The best short cartoon ever

[numberonecubsfan · 10/10 · 1 September 2003]

The Cat Came Back has to be the best short cartoon ever. It follows Mr. Johnson and his pains to get rid of a cat who keeps coming back and destroying his home, despite his best efforts to get rid of it. Even if you have no appreciation for short animation, I am sure you will love this.

An gem from Canada.

[stephen0684 · 10/10 · 2 November 2005]

Mr. Johnson founds an yellow cat at his front door. But he soon regrets finding it. After the cat wreaks the house, Johnson tries every trick that he can think of to get rid of it. However, every time fails and somehow the cat returns every time. Eventually Johnson even tries to blow up his own house but it to fails because it kills him and the cat as well. But, the cat's spirits case Johnson's ghost at the end of the picture. Still, after all these years it's still an gem. Sadly, since the cancellation of O Canada, this Canadian masterpiece hasn't been scene in the States and it's an shame because it's one of a few cartoons from Canada I enjoy. However, I highly recommend it for its humor and plot. So good luck trying to track it down because it won't air in the States anytime soon. At least not yet.

Final Score: an perfect 10 out of 10.

Will amuse children and adults

[bob the moo · 1 October 2007]

Mr Johnson lives alone with only his tuba giving him happiness. So when a small cat is dropped on his doorstep he reacts with happiness. This is short lived as the cat breaks a rattle he had had since being a baby. He decides to get rid of the cat straight away – I mean, how hard can it be? Well, thing is about that, the cat came back the very next day and no matter what Johnson tries to do it continues to do so.

I haven't seen this film for years and indeed cannot even remember where it was that I originally saw it. So watching it again recently was quite enjoyable as I got a rush of memory lane. The idea is simple but produces a handful of nice scenarios where the man is trying to get rid of the cat. These are funny but it is the overall delivery of the film that makes it as amusing and enjoyable as it is. The animation is bright and colourful and the portrayal of the cute, harmless little yellow cat contrasts well with what is happening as a result of it being around. The catchy and simple song played over the top is also cheerful and amusing.

Inventive but yet simple, this cartoon has a slightly cruel sense of humour but yet delivers it in a cheerful and colourful manner that contrasts well and creates an entertaining air of comedy. Short and entertaining short film that kids of all ages will be amused by.

A hilarious, non stop rollercoaster ride

[millennia-2 · 13 November 2000]

'The Cat Came Back' is likely the best short ever assembled, at least coming out of Canada. Not only is it drop dead funny, but it's original and the animation is great. I caught it on CTV about five minutes ago right before 'Open Mike', and this is the first time I've ever rushed up to the computer so fast to see if it had an IMDb listing and to comment on it. Being only seven minutes long, there isn't much to say about it, except that, if you see only one short movie in your entire life, make it be this one.