<P> A number of spin - offs have been made, including the television series The Tom and Jerry Show (1975), The Tom and Jerry Comedy Show (1980--82), Tom and Jerry Kids (1990--93), Tom and Jerry Tales (2006--08), and The Tom and Jerry Show (2014--present). The first feature - length film based on the series, Tom and Jerry: The Movie, was released in 1992, and 13 direct - to - video films have been produced since 2002 . </P> <P> The series features comic fights between an iconic set of adversaries, a house cat (Tom) and a mouse (Jerry). The plots of each short usually center on Tom's numerous attempts to capture Jerry and the mayhem and destruction that follows . Tom rarely succeeds in catching Jerry, mainly because of Jerry's cleverness, cunning abilities, and luck . However, there are also several instances within the cartoons where they display genuine friendship and concern for each other's well - being . At other times, the pair set aside their rivalry in order to pursue a common goal, such as when a baby escaped the watch of a negligent babysitter, causing Tom and Jerry to pursue the baby and keep it away from danger . And despite their endless attacks on one another, they've saved each other's lives every time they were truly in danger . </P> <P> The cartoons are known for some of the most violent cartoon gags ever devised in theatrical animation such as Tom using everything from axes, hammers, firearms, firecrackers, explosives, traps and poison to kill Jerry . On the other hand, Jerry's methods of retaliation are far more violent due to their frequent success, including slicing Tom in half, decapitating him, shutting his head or fingers in a window or a door, stuffing Tom's tail in a waffle iron or a mangle, kicking him into a refrigerator, getting him electrocuted, pounding him with a mace, club or mallet, letting a tree or electric pole drive him into the ground, sticking matches into his feet and lighting them, tying him to a firework and setting it off, and so on . Because of this, Tom and Jerry has often been criticized as excessively violent . Despite the frequent violence, there is no blood or gore in any scene . </P> <P> Music plays a very important part in the shorts, emphasizing the action, filling in for traditional sound effects, and lending emotion to the scenes . Musical director Scott Bradley created complex scores that combined elements of jazz, classical, and pop music; Bradley often reprised contemporary pop songs, as well as songs from MGM films, including The Wizard of Oz and Meet Me in St. Louis, which both starred Judy Garland in a leading role . </P>

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