Sigh... Why can't cartoons be made like this anymore? The plot line is so simple -- an angry dog (soon to be known as "Spike") is after both Tom and Jerry, who have to learn to work together to get the better of him. The pacing is perfect--not too frantic, but never dull. It's a little disconcerting to see a more crudely drawn Spike lacking the personality he would later have, but he does act much more like a real dog in this cartoon. I especially like the soundtrack of "Dog Trouble." Jerry's musical "laugh" is adorable, and Tom's jazzy trombone motif is classy and catchy. So many cartoons today feel hyper and disorienting. The classic era of Tom and Jerry couldn't be more different than this. I feel like I could easily find my way around the T&J house, and I even have a good idea of the furniture and dishes I might find there. This careful use of physical space, quality music, and even pacing creates a cartoon that is pleasing and entertaining for any age viewer.
14 Reviews
Not among Tom and Jerry's best, but still very good
TheLittleSongbird9 November 2012
Tom and Jerry, like Disney and Looney Tunes, were a huge part of my childhood, ever since seeing the entire collection at my sister's now deceased godfather's house when I was about 5 or 6. Dog Trouble was one of the first T&J cartoons, that particular era for T&J cartoons were very interesting and are well made and fun but there is the sense that they were still trying to find their feet. You do get that vibe here in Dog Trouble with the routine story and a rather crudely drawn Spike(coincidentally in his first collaboration with the duo). However, the rest of the animation in Dog Trouble is great, the colours are luscious and the backgrounds show detail and fluidity. The music is one of my personal favourites of the early T&J cartoons, just love the trombone motif, the musical laugh idea I have seen a fair bit when it comes to animation but still worked very well here. The gags are as ever physical humour-based, they come thick and fast and are funny, while the chase sequences while not the most original on the block still add to the not-too-rushed-but-never-a-bore pace of Dog Trouble. I also loved the characterisations, Tom is showing a crafty side here, Spike is at his most dog-like and Jerry still is endearing but clever. All in all, very good, just not among Tom and Jerry's best. 8/10 Bethany Cox
Tom and Jerry teams up again.
OllieSuave-00714 January 2018
Tom and Jerry teams up again, this time to deal with Spike, the mean, ruthless bulldog which happens to be in Mammy Two-Shoe's house. Tom and Jerry seems to always have a love-hate friend relationship going on, but it works in these cartoons and make the stories unpredictable and unique. Lots of fun here.
Grade B+
Grade B+
Great super classic short with big bad Spike against the cat and mouse!
blanbrn19 November 2020
"Dog Trouble" a "Tom and Jerry" classic short from 1942 is one that's full of chase as the big bad dog Spike is on full display with his sharp teeth! In fact in this episode Tom and Jerry are even buddies as they run and battle Spike the dog. The story is simple as Spike is awakened he does plenty of chasing and going after the cat and mouse! Overall one of the better and early episodes that's a showcase of having the trio on display as the have their fun little chase battles! The scenes and technicolor is in top notch fine form as this is once again a cartoon classic.
Spike's First Appearance!
Kalashnikovin25 June 2022
As a big fan of Tom and Jerry, I have already seen all their Short Films from the Hanna Barbera Era to the Gene Deitch Era (only those that were released in Cinema count, I have not seen the complete Television Series), and Dog Trouble does not It disappoints in no aspect and leaves you very satisfied after seeing it.
This was the first appearance of the Iconic Bulldog Spike, although he does not have his usual Personality and Design, he brings a lot to the cartoon.
The animation as in any other Tom and Jerry short (only those from 1940-1954 because the ones after 1954 gave a very Notable Downturn to their animation) here the Movements are Fluid and the Designs Show Advance and they already look like what would be in the future, Spike's Design to be his First Appearance looks Pretty Good.
The Music as Always is Frenetic and quite funny, there is no doubt that without it the cartoon would not be so funny!
In itself, Dog Trouble is not the best of Tom and Jerry but it is a really special Short for being the First appearance of Spike and showing advances in the character designs, the chases are great and make the short memorable and for that I give it a 9!.
This was the first appearance of the Iconic Bulldog Spike, although he does not have his usual Personality and Design, he brings a lot to the cartoon.
The animation as in any other Tom and Jerry short (only those from 1940-1954 because the ones after 1954 gave a very Notable Downturn to their animation) here the Movements are Fluid and the Designs Show Advance and they already look like what would be in the future, Spike's Design to be his First Appearance looks Pretty Good.
The Music as Always is Frenetic and quite funny, there is no doubt that without it the cartoon would not be so funny!
In itself, Dog Trouble is not the best of Tom and Jerry but it is a really special Short for being the First appearance of Spike and showing advances in the character designs, the chases are great and make the short memorable and for that I give it a 9!.
Woof!
CuriosityKilledShawn24 August 2006
Tom and Jerry are doing their usual chasing-around-the-house/cat tail in a mousetrap antics when Tom slams right into the sleeping big bulldog later to be known as Spike. Angery at being woken from his peaceful sleep, he chases after the cat and mouse, forcing them to team up to defeat him.
Jerry sets the trap while Tom uses himself as bait, soon enough the house is trashed and Spike is thrown out. Really simple stuff with only some slight invention. Mammy-Two-Shoes makes an appearance, but chances are you'll see the PC version in which she is unnatually re-dubbed to sound less 'racist'. Whatever!
Jerry sets the trap while Tom uses himself as bait, soon enough the house is trashed and Spike is thrown out. Really simple stuff with only some slight invention. Mammy-Two-Shoes makes an appearance, but chances are you'll see the PC version in which she is unnatually re-dubbed to sound less 'racist'. Whatever!
Dog Trouble
Michael_Elliott27 December 2015
Dog Trouble (1942)
*** (out of 4)
Tom and Jerry are once again fighting, chasing each other and causing all sorts of trouble but their problems get a lot bigger when Tom accidentally crashes into a large dog. Soon the dog is chasing not only Tom but also Jerry so the two must form a bond to try and take care of the dog. Once again there's a lot of nice imagination on display here from Hanna and Barbara and as you'd expect the animation is extremely good. When one watches a short from Tom and Jerry you expect laughs and action and we get plenty of both here. The highlight is certainly the scene where Tom finds himself on top a clock tricking the dog into jumping after him while Jerry sets up their plan. The "woof" sounds from the dog are also great. If you're a fan of the series then this here is another winner.
*** (out of 4)
Tom and Jerry are once again fighting, chasing each other and causing all sorts of trouble but their problems get a lot bigger when Tom accidentally crashes into a large dog. Soon the dog is chasing not only Tom but also Jerry so the two must form a bond to try and take care of the dog. Once again there's a lot of nice imagination on display here from Hanna and Barbara and as you'd expect the animation is extremely good. When one watches a short from Tom and Jerry you expect laughs and action and we get plenty of both here. The highlight is certainly the scene where Tom finds himself on top a clock tricking the dog into jumping after him while Jerry sets up their plan. The "woof" sounds from the dog are also great. If you're a fan of the series then this here is another winner.
Introducing Spike.
BA_Harrison13 March 2008
An excellent episode of Tom and Jerry, Dog Trouble sees the famous arch-enemies team up to fight a common foe: Spike, a snarling, toothy bulldog whose sole purpose in life seems to be to chase anything that moves and try to eat it.
After a little 'cat and mouse' action (natch) from the world's greatest cat and mouse, this episode really gets going when Spike joins in on the fun, after being disturbed whilst napping (a common theme in later T&J cartoons). Tom and Jerry become trapped by the dog and, on realising that they are both in the same predicament, put aside their differences to plan their escape.
This one is pure class, and anyone who doesn't find the sight of Spike leaping through the air to try and snap at Tom's tail extremely funny needs to get their sense of humour an overhaul. Top animation, a great soundtrack, and wonderful characterisation all go to make this an better-than-average episode.
After a little 'cat and mouse' action (natch) from the world's greatest cat and mouse, this episode really gets going when Spike joins in on the fun, after being disturbed whilst napping (a common theme in later T&J cartoons). Tom and Jerry become trapped by the dog and, on realising that they are both in the same predicament, put aside their differences to plan their escape.
This one is pure class, and anyone who doesn't find the sight of Spike leaping through the air to try and snap at Tom's tail extremely funny needs to get their sense of humour an overhaul. Top animation, a great soundtrack, and wonderful characterisation all go to make this an better-than-average episode.
When people engage watch dogs or watch cats . . .
pixrox118 September 2022
Warning: Spoilers
. . . these family additions are not expected to be cooperating with the voracious vermin hell-bent upon eating the household out of grub and home. Spike the guard dog understands this, but Tom the traitorous cat proves to be in cahoots with the invasive pest, mouse Jerry. Society took a dim view of people living adjacent to the Manson Ranch joining in on the latter clique's outings. Furthermore, fake felines such as Tom are generally sacked up and taken to the nearest river. When someone pops a balloon, no one has any use for the pieces. Likewise, when a putative mouser proves to be a rodent ally, the malingering miscreant invariably is put out with the trash.
Spike's Surprisingly Good Debut
maxschoby11 October 2023
When I first heard of this cartoon, I thought it wouldn't be very good. Tom and Jerry teaming up? Most episodes revolving around that premise are bad or fine, but Dog Trouble is actually a lot of fun. This is probably because of Spike. Unlike later characterizations, he goes after both Tom and Jerry, something refreshing when compared to his blatant love of Jerry later on. Nothing really stands out about this cartoon though. While a fun short, with the team up and meaner Spike, it's just not very notable. It's a basic Tom/Jerry/Spike short with a twist, and while that's entertaining, it doesn't stand out in any other ways. It's just a good, classic, fun Tom and Jerry short.
Our First Look At 'Spike'
ccthemovieman-14 August 2007
Tom and Jerry on the same side? It didn't happen often but it happens in this early Tom and Jerry cartoon. This is the one the big bulldog is first introduced. "Spike," as we know him, is bigger and scarier than he was in future cartoons, although he never was a slouch in the "scare" department. However, he's like a roaring lion in this one, going after both Tom and Jerry after the latter two were going at each other.
This cartoon is so-so, at best, however. Most Tom and Jerry cartoons, in my opinion, in the first year or two were weak in comparison to the rest of the way. The humor isn't as clever in here and the chase routines are just that: routine. Frankly, I never laughed at anything in here. This one had historical value, and little else.
This cartoon is so-so, at best, however. Most Tom and Jerry cartoons, in my opinion, in the first year or two were weak in comparison to the rest of the way. The humor isn't as clever in here and the chase routines are just that: routine. Frankly, I never laughed at anything in here. This one had historical value, and little else.
Unleash the Spike
Horst_In_Translation27 July 2017
Warning: Spoilers
"Dog Trouble" is an American cartoon from 1942, so this one has its 75th anniversary this year and as it is a Hanna Barbera production, you probably guessed correct already that it is another Tom & Jerry film. At 8 minutes, it is minimally longer than most of what Warner Bros and Disney offered back then during the days of World War II. And even if this is not one of the Oscar-winning T&J short films, it is still among their most known today. This may have to do with the story slightly differing from the usual cat-mouse routine. For over half of the film, the main antagonist was the big dog that got accidentally woken up by Tom's shenanigans in pursuit of Jerry. If you have seen other films starring Spike, you know perhaps that he always has it for Tom, but here he is so angry that he got disturbed that he also wouldn't mind eating Jerry. Luckily Tom helps the little mouse as the duo unites to get rid of the brutal canine. This is still one of the early T&J cartoons and you can see that especially by the way Tom was animated, but also like I previously mentioned by Spike's behavior. It was an okay watch. At times a very action-packed little film, but then again also all about the preparation, like towards the end when Jerry sets up the trap for Spike. Of course, after succeeding with their collaboration, Tom and Jerry cannot stay friends for long and the chase continues and this is also an indicator of many more T&J cartoons being released in the years/decades after this one here.
Introducing Spike, and first time that T & J team up.
Otavio-clubpenguin14 July 2014
Warning: Spoilers
This cartoon gave the audience the introduction of Spike. You can see that Spike in this early cartoon was much more vicious and attacked everyone for no reason, when Tyke entered in, his personality started to soft.
The Story is that Tom and Jerry are doing what they do best: chasing each other. That is, until Spike enters the scene, and he starts to chase both Tom and Jerry, making them team up against the bulldog.
This cartoon sometimes is low on gags, and sometimes make you wish that you were watching the late 40's and 50's Tom and Jerry. But I know that this cartoon still have a important value to the history of cartoons.
And this cartoon have a nice thing : they team up for the first time on the series. And in the end, Tom and Jerry return to their normal chase.
Yeah, I recommend it to every Tom and Jerry fan, even a little bit more than Fraidy Cat.
The Story is that Tom and Jerry are doing what they do best: chasing each other. That is, until Spike enters the scene, and he starts to chase both Tom and Jerry, making them team up against the bulldog.
This cartoon sometimes is low on gags, and sometimes make you wish that you were watching the late 40's and 50's Tom and Jerry. But I know that this cartoon still have a important value to the history of cartoons.
And this cartoon have a nice thing : they team up for the first time on the series. And in the end, Tom and Jerry return to their normal chase.
Yeah, I recommend it to every Tom and Jerry fan, even a little bit more than Fraidy Cat.
See also
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