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Herman and Katnip:

The Underappreciated Gem of Classic Cartoons; by Belle Webb


Herman and Katnip is a classic American animated cartoon series that aired from 1944 to 1959. The series was produced by Famous Studios, which was a division of Paramount Pictures. The show featured the constant battles between a clever mouse named Herman and a dim-witted cat named Katnip.


The first episode of Herman and Katnip, titled "The Alley Cat", was released on November 18, 1944. The series was created by animator Isadore "Friz" Freleng, who had previously worked on Warner Bros.'s Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies cartoons. The characters were designed by artist Al Eugster, who had also worked on these cartoon series.


The show had a simple premise – Herman was a mouse who was always trying to outsmart Katnip, the cat who constantly pursued him. Herman was usually successful in avoiding Katnip's clutches, often by tricking him into falling for one of his clever schemes. Katnip, on the other hand, was portrayed as a bumbling fool who always fell for Herman's tricks and ended up getting hurt in the process.


The animation style of Herman and Katnip was similar to other cartoons of the time, such as Tom and Jerry and Sylvester and Tweety. The show used slapstick comedy and exaggerated movements to create humor. The characters' facial expressions were also exaggerated to emphasize their emotions, making it easier for the audience to understand what was happening in the scene.


One of the standout features of the series was its use of music. Herman and Katnip featured original music composed by Winston Sharples, who was known for his work on other Famous Studios cartoons. The music added an extra layer of humor to the show and helped to enhance the comedic timing of the animation.


Over the course of its run, Herman and Katnip produced over 50 episodes, including a few that were released in color in the 1950s. The show was well-received by audiences and is still remembered fondly by fans of classic animation today.


Despite its popularity, Herman and Katnip has not received as much attention as other cartoon series from the same era. This is likely due to the fact that the show was produced by Famous Studios, which was not as well-known as other animation studios such as Warner Bros. and Disney. However, the series is still worth watching for fans of classic cartoons and anyone who appreciates humor and clever animation.


In conclusion, Herman and Katnip is a classic cartoon series that has stood the test of time. With its simple yet effective premise, memorable characters, and excellent animation and music, the show remains a beloved example of classic American animation.


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