I wonder if anyone involved in making The Last Hungry Cat ever owned a cat. The premise is (for a Freleng cartoon) quite good. Sylvester is haunted–by an Alfred Hitchcock-like narrator–after he “eats” Tweetie. There are a couple big logic problems. The major one involves cats. They don’t have remorse. It’s absurd Sylvester would feel guilty.
The second problem is Sylvester’s apartment. He has his own pad, a cat living among people. It’s strange.
Otherwise, if one forgives the lazy Freleng backgrounds, it’s not bad. Mel Blanc has a field day with Sylvester’s guilty ramblings. Ben Frommer’s good as the interfering narrator too.
It’s a simple story and Freleng tells it precisely. Hungry never goes on too long. It’s a tightly paced narrative with a great noir feel.
I’m a little surprised Freleng directed such a strong cartoon. Hungry is the best work of his I’ve seen.
Recommended
CREDITS
Directed by Hawley Pratt and Friz Freleng; written by David Detiege and John W. Dunn; animated by Gerry Chiniquy, Lee Halpern, Art Leonardi, Bob Matz and Virgil Ross; edited by Treg Brown; music by Milt Franklyn; produced by John W. Burton; released by Warner Bros.
Starring Mel Blanc (Sylvester / Tweety) and June Foray (Granny); narrated by Ben Frommer.
I haven’t recalled this cartoon in years, but I remember it really giving me the creeps as a kid, not getting the whole Hitchcock homage thing. Very strong atmosphere.