The Tom and Jerry cartoons were and still are among the most popular cartoon series. Personally, I've never been a fan of them as they tend to be repetitive. I prefer the slapstick of the Tex Avery shorts.However, this short breaks away from the chase formula. Jerry goes on a short trip to New York to see the many sights. What I enjoy about this short is that it shows Manhattan from a mouse's point of view, effectively showcasing the great height and mass of the tall skyscrapers. As well as Jerry's near fall several stories, with a thrilling but spectacular downward view of the city. Complete with a smooth rendition of Manhattan Serenade which plays on the soundtrack throughout this short.I've believed that the Disney cartoon "The Country Cousin (1936)" inspired the layouts for the Tom and Jerry cartoons and it was clearly an inspiration for this short.This is one of the better Tom and Jerry shorts and would have been Oscar worthy had it been submitted that year.

Having got fed up of rural life Jerry writes Tom a letter letting him know he is leaving. He rides on a train to New York and sets about seeing the city; along the way he gets into a few scrapes; he gets stuck to a piece of chewing gum in Grand Central Station, gets washed down a drain only to emerge from a manhole into the traffic and a trip up a skyscraper almost leads to him falling from great height after climbing up a candle near the window to get a better view and toppling it. It isn't all danger though he enjoys seeing some attractive women and has a dance with a succession of small dolls that are acting as place card holders on a dining table. Ultimately though he realises the city isn't the place for him so he heads home; tears up the note he left for Tom then kisses him!This 'Tom and Jerry' short is unlike any I recall seeing before in many ways; most obviously it hardly features Tom at all, and when we do see him he isn't trying to do anything violent to Jerry! While in New York Jerry might get into a succession of scrapes but there isn't the sadistic malice one gets in most of these cartoons. At one point he encounters some scary alley cats but he just flees without the usual turning of the tables we expect when he fights Tom. Most of what happens is clearly there for the animators to show off their skills; and I must say it looks very good. I wouldn't want all Tom and Jerry cartoons to be like this but as a one off this tamer instalment made a refreshing change so is well worth watching.

This is a beautiful cartoon. Instead of following the usual chases of Tom and Jerry, "Mouse in Manhattan" follows Jerry Mouse as he gets tired of the country and opts for big city life. The animation and music recalls the Fantasia 2000 feature of "Rhapsody in Blue" (especially when Jerry is dancing with the dolls). Both are absolutely stunning. I was smiling throughout the whole cartoon; my favorite "Tom and Jerry," just above "Heavenly Puss." A triumph.

Those who choose to write off the Tom and Jerry series as a violence orgy should be directed toward any television playing this little jewel, which is practically a solo endeavour for the rodent half of the duo, and which suggests that Jerry's finest moments of dancing may not have been with Gene Kelly. See this one. Own it if you can.