Felix the Cat

I've seen good reviews and horrible reviews here. Everyone has their points about this late '50s/early '60s version of Felix. But it's hard for me NOT to like these cartoons. Sure, their budget should have been higher. However, if you consider some of the true heavyweight talent that started with a blank screen and silence, these cartoons come with a pretty GREAT pedigree. Grim Natwick, the true creator of Betty Boop and chief animator of the character "Snow White" (in the 1937 feature of the same name - Walt Disney's FIRST FEATURE, by the way) animated a number of these. ALL the character voices were performed by Jack Mercer (who was the voice of Popeye The Sailor for FOUR DECADES+, no matter WHO was producing Popeye cartoons at the time).

Felix cartoons were first made as SILENTS in 1918, and ALL Felix cartoons that came after that, right up to the "acid-trip" Felix cartoons made by Film Roman bear the fingerprints of whoever made them. In whatever period they were made. So whatever YOU may think of these early TV Felix cartoons, you're entitled to your opinion. I'll just say "Righty-Oh!!!!"

At the end of each little episode, the announcer (apparently Jack Mercer--as I see in the title page that he did every other voice on the program) would say this in a low, growly voice. In the background of the soundtrack, there would be a string section doing that sustained-one-note-suspense thing that we've all heard in a million different films. Used to scare the crap outta me--almost as bad as Koko the Clown popping out of that damned inkwell. Even though the sensibilities that went into this kind of animation helped to shape (warp?) me, and I love them to this day, sometimes I think that the old time animators were sadists who hated kids. Either that or I was just a wuss.

The theme song always said " You'll laugh so much your sides will ache. / Your heart will go pit-a-pat, / Watching Felix the wonderful cat. " yet the cartoons were never funny. But still we kids watched.

I absolutely loved Felix the Cat growing up, and feel it is a very creative and underrated animated series. The animation really isn't that bad considering when it was made. The theme song was catchy and memorable, and I loved singing along to the fun lyrics. The writing is witty, funny and sharp and the story lines are unique and interesting. Yes some moments can be repetitive, but I still enjoyed it regardless, and even as a kid I was so taken with the characters and writing than to care about what material was repeated. The characters are at least engaging, Felix may be annoying to some but not to me, he does have a high pitched voice but he is a funny, likable and endearing character. Although he is the main character, the supporting characters were better, the Professor was hilarious and I loved the villains especially Master Cylinder. Jack Mercer does a superb job with the voices I feel, a very talented voice actor he was too. Overall this is a great show, unique and underrated. 10/10 Bethany Cox

The 1958-1961 Felix the Cat series is, in my opinion, the best version of Felix ever created. It perfectly captures the playful spirit and cleverness that made Felix such an iconic character for generations.

One of my favorite things about this series is Felix's voice - it reminds me a lot of Mickey Mouse, which gives Felix a charming and nostalgic feel. The voice acting adds so much personality and life to the character, making every episode a joy to watch.

The animation style is classic and timeless, with fun stories that appeal to both kids and adults. This series strikes the perfect balance between humor, creativity, and heart.

If you're a fan of classic animation or Felix the Cat, this series is a must-watch!