The Cricket in Times Square (1973)

The Cricket in Times Square artwork

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

Synopsis: The first of several animated television specials based on the book by George Selfen. Chester C. Cricket (voiced by Les Tremayne) finds himself transported from a Connecticut field in a picnic basket to the bustling New York Times Square subway station where he is found by a boy working a news stand.

Cartoon Cat: Chester is quickly befriended by Tucker Mouse (voiced by Mel Blanc) who starts up a conversation. As they are talking Chester is suddenly startled by the appearance of an orange and white cat sitting behind Tucker.

The Cricket in Times Square - Chester Cricket warning Tucker mouse about Harry cat

Chester shouts out a warning and hides. Tucker looks around, wondering what Chester is warning him about. He then realizes Chester thinks the cat is going to hurt him and quickly explains they are friends.

The Cricket in Times Square - Harry cat sitting behind Tucker mouse

Tucker introduces Chester to Harry the cat (also voiced by Les Tremayne) and explains they are best friends. Harry goes on to explain how city cats and mice are more amenable than their country cousins.

The Cricket in Times Square - Harry cat

Chester is adopted by a boy who works in his family’s news stand and they all make Chester feel welcome. Tucker and Harry usually stay in a drainpipe nearby but sneak into the news stand at night to hang with Chester.

The Cricket in Times Square - Tucker mouse laying across Harry cat's paws

One night they throw a party for Chester and Tucker turns on a radio. Harry starts to sing along to the song When I’m Calling You. They are shocked when Chester can play that song, and any other song her hears, perfectly.

The Cricket in Times Square - Harry cat singing

The party ends abruptly when a trash can catches on fire. Harry desperately tries to put it out.

The Cricket in Times Square - Harry cat trying to put out fire

The news stand is not doing well financially but Chester’s music may save the day. This is a very sweet special and certainly a vivid memory for those of us who grew up in this era.

The Cricket in Times Square - Chester Cricket sitting on Harry cat's paws

Final Mewsings: Cats have always considered themselves to be musical.


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