Reviewed by Adam Whittaker
Stars the voices of Arnold Stang, Maurice Gosfield,
Leo DeLyon, Marvin Kaplin, John Stephenson,
Allen Jenkins, Paul Frees, Don Messick, Jean Vander Pyl
Written by Kim Platt
DVD Region 2 | UK RRP £12.99
UK certification U | Runtime 160 minutes
Directed by Joseph Barbera & William Hanna
As the number one fan of the "number one super guy", Top Cat slipped under my radar somewhat as a kid, preferring to save my cartoon viewing for Hong Kong Phooey. Of course I'd heard of "the most tip top, Top Cat". However, betraying my allegiance to the world-renowned janitor, I was more than prepared to give TC a chance. Said to have been loosely based on the Phil Silvers Show (the similarities are evident), originally screened in '61 and '62, 30 episodes of the swaggering alley cat's adventures were made and this particular volume features six of those. Accompanied by Benny the Ball, Choo Choo, Brain, Fancy Fancy and Spook, TC and pals attempt (and invariably succeed) in irritating and outsmarting local patrolman Officer Dibble.
Whether gaining unlimited credit from local storekeepers, outwitting an international jewel thief or even adopting an anteater, TC leads his gang through scam after scam in their perpetual search for a dollar, a dame or a donut. The animation is (of course) basic, the laughter canned but for those of us old enough to remember, it takes you back to the days when cartoons really were cartoons — innocently humorous, endearing, often poignant and hugely enjoyable in their naive way. Hanna-Barbera's genius was in comically overstating the obvious, unexpected subtle asides and engagement with the viewer of any age. Dated in some ways it may be but it's definitely worth revisiting — and you'll be singing the theme tune for days afterwards.
EXTRAS ** An incredibly wooden and dated interview with Stang (the voice of TC) is followed by a far more enlightening insight into how the various "voices" got their parts as well as the relationship between them all on and off "set". Worth watching for the cringe-worthy opener and the affection of the "cast" members for TC and gang that follows.