A Very Merry Cricket (1973)

A Very Merry Cricket artwork

Chuck Jones Enterprises
Starring:
 Mel Blanc, Les Tremayne
Directed by: Chuck Jones

Synopsis: The second of several animated television specials based on the book by George Selfen.  Tucker Mouse (voiced by Mel Blanc) and Harry the cat (voiced by Les Tremayne) are concerned about New Yorkers’ apparent lack of empathy during the holiday season and so call upon their friend Chester C. Cricket (also voiced by Les Tremayne) to bring some peace to their lives.

Cartoon Cats: Harry the cat is reading from a book of Christmas stories when Tucker mouse points out that peace on Earth is sorely lacking in the bustling crazy world of New York City.

A Very Merry Cricket - Harry cat and Tucker mouse reading Christmas stories

Chuck Jones injects a bit of modern humor by having the very proper Harry utter the words, “Right on!”

A Very Merry Cricket - Harry cat close

Harry and Tucker venture to the town of Sunnyslope, Connecticut, to find their friend, the famous musical cricket.

A Very Merry Cricket - Harry cat and Tucker mouse reach Sunnyslope, Connecticut

Once in town Tucker is grabbed by a mangy alley cat.  Harry must rescue his friend by means of distraction.

A Very Merry Cricket - alley cat with Tucker mouse in his mouth

Harry explains the Chester their hope to bring music and harmony back to New York during the holidays.

A Very Merry Cricket - Harry cat explains to Chester C. Cricket

On their way out of town, Harry is accosted by a huge bulldog who barks and scares him so badly he ends up hanging from a telephone pole.

A Very Merry Cricket - Harry cat scared and hanging onto telephone pole

Once in New York they try to reach the busy crowds but cannot be heard.  It isn’t until there’s a blackout that Chester’s song can reach them once again.  A very sweet Christmas special!

A Very Merry Cricket - silhouette of Harry cat, Tucker mouse and Chester Cricket about to perform

Final Mewsings: Cats would like peace on earth all year round.


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