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.
1943 saw all of the above, 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. Like the previous year, 1943 was not really a bad year for Terrytoons, especially compared to most of the previous years which were far more inconsistent. None of the Terrytoons cartoons from 1943 were really being terrible and most ranged from average to decent while none being great. Although not a great cartoon in my eyes and the formula was starting to wear a little thin, 'Down with Cats' is still a pleasant enough 6 or so minutes.
Was not a fan of all his cartoons and Mighty Mouse, originally named Super Mouse but changed after seven cartoons, has never been one of my favourite characters in animation, but as far as Terrytoons go even the weakest cartoons when the series became increasingly repetitive were quite a bit better than when the studio was at its worst, if that makes sense. The previous Super Mouse cartoons were better, with the Super/Mighty Mouse series starting off quite well, but 'Down with Cats' is in the better half of the overall Mighty Mouse series.
Again, the story is very thin, not unexpected as the story was never a strength in Terrytoons output, and if you've seen the previous cartoons in the Super/Mighty Mouse series you will never be surprised at how it plays out in the cartoon, surprises are very few if any and the ending can be seen coming a mile away. It can feel too cute too, especially at the start, and did feel that the cartoon took a little too long to get going, coming to life once the conflict coming from the cats arrived.
Super Mouse tended to be a cute and likeable character although fairly limited at the same time for a lead and his cartoons did tend to be quite formulaic and at times repetitive, thankfully not as much here (it did get worse later) but other than the setting 'Down with Cats' is still pretty predictable. The other mice characters are on the bland side and not much different from other mice characters later threatened.
However, 'Down with Cats' is well animated. Hardly surprising as the animation quality had come on enormously by this point with Terrytoons, as said this is the component that improved the most over the years. It is nicely detailed, lively and colourful without being garish. Again, the music, the thing that was the most, and actually only, consistently good thing from the very beginning with Terrytoons, is a big strength. 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.
While never what one calls hilarious, there are plenty of very humorous and clever touches. As well as a lot of energy, lively action and an unforced charm throughout. Complete with a setting that is made good use of and back then was different back then, really liked the opening sequence too. Super Mouse may be a limited character somewhat but he is likeable in a way, but it's the cats that are the most interesting characters by far in the cartoon.
All in all, not great but above average and one of the better entries in the Mighty Mouse series. Though when he was named Super Mouse will admit to preferring his earlier cartoons which were a little fresher. 6/10
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