Tom And Jerry, Stoners? Check Out The Episode Where They Smoke A 'Peace Pipe'

Original story by Carolina Failde on El Planteo.

When discussing animated duos, few have remained as relevant as Tom and Jerry - for over 80 years. This classic television staple, since its debut in 1940, has found its way into the homes of families worldwide, generating both controversy and laughter.

The equation is simple and perhaps in that simplicity lies success: a cat vehemently pursues a smart mouse who always manages to get away with making fun of his feline colleague. We've seen it thousands of times, no need to explain it, right?

See Also: 60 Years Later, Some Thoughts on Positive Queercoding and Psychedelia in the Pink Panther

Or maybe its success is largely the product of its creators Bill Hanna and Joe Barbera, the owners of Hanna-Barbera Productions, Inc., one of the most important animation studios in the world. Among his most famous cartoons are: "The Jetsons," "The Flintstones," "Yogi Bear," "Top Cat," "Scooby-Doo," among others.

How Is Tom And Jerry Born?

William Hanna and Joseph Barbera first collaborated at the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer animation studio in 1939. Barbera pitched to his friend Hanna the idea of a short film in which a cat chases a mouse, full of movement and gags in the style of Charlie Chaplin's silent movies. Both convinced the managers and created the animated short film "Puss Gets the Boot" (1940), which marked the debut of the famous characters Tom and Jerry.

For this short film, the animators, both under 30, earned the studio an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Short Film. Despite not being directly credited at the time, throughout the story, Tom and Jerry managed to win seven Oscars for Best Animated Short Film, more than any other animated series based on fictional characters.

The series was also highlighted as one of the "Best TV Shows of All Time" by TIME magazine in 2000.

Cancellation and Scandal

Not everything was rosy for the successful animated duo, since the program was accused of promoting violence in children. Also, they were singled out as racist because of a particular character. This character was the owner of Tom, an obese maid whose identity was only revealed through her legs, flip-flops and her characteristic scream when scolding her pet.

See Also: 5 Cartoons To Watch When You're High

Beginning in 1965, changes were made to the original shorts to avoid offense by cutting out the most violent scenes. The character of the maid, who originally had a Southern accent, was also changed into a figure with a polished Irish accent.

Smoking the Peace Pipe

In Tom and Jerry episode 78 titled “Two Little Indians” (1953), Jerry finds himself in charge of two adorable little mice who quickly turn into a real nightmare, sparking a war between Tom and them. The mischievous "little Indians" manage to destroy the house of the famous duo and to end the episode they smoke "peace pice" together, leaving Tom a bit high. And judging by the cat's face, there can be nothing but marijuana in that pipe.

See Also: Essential Guide to Flashing with the Most Psychedelic Cartoons of the Last 30 Years

Despite its 80 years of existence, Tom and Jerry continue to defy politically correct norms and established conventions. His irreverent attitude and without worrying about the consequences seems to be the key to his current success.

The Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, the place where deals get done, is returning to Chicago this Sept 27-28 for its 17th edition. Get your tickets today before prices increase and secure a spot at the epicenter of cannabis investment and branding.

Más contenido de El Planteo:

• Homero Drogado: 5 Episodios Bien Trippy de “Los Simpson”
• Summer Camp Island: Hablamos con su Creadora, Julia Pott
• Gente Rota: Hablamos con su Creador Gabriel Lucero

Image by El Planteo