For those who want the briefest summary on this famous, trail-blazing cartoon cat here is an infographic which might do the trick. Felix’s pedigree: “The first true animated film star, also a hero of television, a comic strip, and comic books.” (The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Cartoon Animals by Jeff Rovin).
More: Click these links to see all the cartoon animals listed (phew)! AND some more on Felix himself.
Here’s a list of notable Felix the Cat films and the years they were released:
- 1919: Feline Follies – Felix’s debut short, initially unnamed, as “Master Tom.”
- 1920: The Adventures of Felix – Early series establishing his name and character.
- 1923: Felix in Hollywood – Felix’s satirical take on Hollywood celebrities, boosting his fame.
- 1924: Felix Trifles with Time – A time-traveling adventure showcasing innovative animation.
- 1925: Felix All Puzzled – Felix tackles challenges with his signature cleverness.
- 1928: Felix the Cat in Sure-Locked Homes – A parody of Sherlock Holmes.
- 1929: Ocean Hop – Felix races across the ocean in a comic adventure.
- 1936: Felix the Cat and the Goose That Laid the Golden Egg – One of Felix’s few color cartoons.
After this era, Felix’s prominence declined in cinema until he was revived in TV and later projects.
For example: The story of Feline Follies (1919) unfolds as follows:
- Introduction to Master Tom: The cartoon features Master Tom, a mischievous black cat who would later become Felix the Cat. He charms and woos a female cat named Miss Kitty White.
- Tom’s Carefree Antics: Tom serenades Kitty and spends his time frolicking with her, neglecting his usual duty of catching mice at the household where he resides.
- Mice Havoc: With Tom distracted, the mice in the house wreak havoc, causing chaos and destruction. This leads to the homeowner blaming Tom and throwing him out.
- A Tragic Twist: Tom discovers that Miss Kitty has given birth to a litter of kittens. Overwhelmed and distraught, he believes he cannot provide for them.
- A Melancholic Ending: In despair, Tom decides to end his life by sitting on a gas pipe, closing the cartoon with a surprisingly dark tone for a comedic short.
Despite its somber ending, Feline Follies captivated audiences with its humor and expressive animation, marking the birth of Felix the Cat’s enduring legacy.
