Directors: William Hanna & Joseph Barbera
Release Date: July 9, 1949
Stars: Tom & Jerry
Rating: ★★★★★ ♕
Review:
When, during a typical chase, Tom is crushed by a falling piano, he unexpectedly dies…
His spirit goes up to heaven on a gigantic golden escalator. But he’s not allowed to go with the heavenly express, because of what he has done to Jerry. Nevertheless, he’s allowed one hour back on earth to persuade Jerry to sign a forgiveness certificate. If he doesn’t make it, it will be hell for him.
After loads of struggle and cheating Tom finally succeeds, but it is too late and Tom falls into hell. Fortunately it’s all a dream, and when he wakes up Tom rushes to Jerry’s home kissing and hugging the completely bewildered mouse.
‘Heavenly Puss’ is one of the all-time best Tom & Jerry cartoons. It draws completely on the two characters and their well-established love/hate-relationship. The silent acting is particularly superb and Tom’s feeble attempts to convince Jerry against a ticking deadline are both hilarious and chilling. His agony is heartfelt and his pantomimed pleas are moving.
‘Heavenly Puss’ may cover familiar grounds (comparable cartoons include Disney’s ‘Pluto’s Judgement Day‘ from 1935, and Paramount’s ‘A Self-Made Mongrel’ from 1945), it’s execution is both brilliant and original and a great example of both silent comedy and character animation.
Watch ‘Heavenly Puss’ yourself and tell me what you think:
This is Tom & Jerry cartoon No. 42
To the previous Tom & Jerry cartoon: Hatch Up Your Troubles
To the next Tom & Jerry cartoon: The Cat and the Mermouse
Dr. Grob's Animation Review 
3 comments
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April 1, 2017 at 16:15
Raul Vallejo
It remind us of how we are with our family, friends, and people. John 13:34, 1John 1:9.
August 27, 2016 at 00:44
Michael Mattson
Is the cat in heaven in charge of the train Jesus? He requires a certificate of forgiveness from Jerry. The episode is interesting. It doesn’t seem to have Christian theology in it but has heaven and hell which I believe to be real. Those who call upon the name of the Lord and believe in their heart that God raised Jesus from the dead will be saved. Thankfully Jesus doesn’t work like that in real life. He does not send us back to life and make us get a certificate of forgiveness from the people. He forgives us himself if we accept him into our heart and if we confess our sins.
January 18, 2016 at 23:33
V.E.G.
Tom is being punished for abusing Jerry reminds me of the dream sequence of Bill Bittinger being punished for being a bigot on “Hit the Road, Newdell,” on “Buffalo Bill.” Just like St. Peter’s cat told Tom to “Hit the Road, Jack,” after handing a certificate of forgiveness and Tom said, Oh, don’t treat me like that.”