An Itch in Time (1943)

Warner Bros.
Starring:
 Mel Blanc, Sara Berner
Directed by: Robert Clampett

Cat Out of the Bag Alert!  This review contains some spoilers for this film!

Synopsis: Elmer Fudd (voiced by Arthur Q. Bryan) notices his dog scatching after being assaulted by a hungry, musical flea and threatens to give him a bath.

Cartoon Cat: This is the animated short with the hillbilly flea running around singing “Food Around the Corner.”  The dog is the main star of the show but at one point he becomes desperate when the flea keeps attacking his skin with a variety of gardening tools, jackhammers and other equipment.  The dog notices a black and white cat sleeping nearby.

An Itch in Time - dog spots cat sleeping on pillow

The dog kicks the cat, which then starts to scratch the dog furiously, much to the dog’s relief.

An Itch in Time - cat scratching dog on back animated gif

This doesn’t get by Elmer, who stares down both animals until they have cowered into little balls.

An Itch in Time - Elmer staring at dog and cat

An Itch in Time - Elmer staring at dog and cat shrunk down into balls

Kitty Carnage Warning! At one time the end of this cartoon was often censored from television airings.  As the flea carries both Elmer Fudd and the dog away on a tray, the cat sees this and reacts with shock.

An Itch in Time - black and white cartoon cat reacting in shock

In a common cartoon ending, the cat sighs, “Well, now I’ve seen everything,” then pulls a revolver from somewhere under his fur and actually shoots himself in the head, flying across the room and landing on the ground.

An Itch in Time - black and white cartoon cat pointing gun to his head

Final Mewsings: Do cats need concealed carry permits?


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