The cat wasn’t yet named Tom. The mouse wasn’t yet named Jerry. And the cat-and-mouse chase storyline wasn’t intended to be followed by a series of cartoons featuring the both of ’em.

Stanchfield added, "Somehow at MGM, Jerry Mouse, though incredible acts of violence to Tom, never comes off as ... The key to comedy is quick recovery, and "Itchy & Scratchy" has no quick recovery.