The original theatrical run of Tom and Jerry cartoons produced by Hanna-Barbera came to an end due to an executive decision by the studio. They found that re-releases of older cartoons were earning as much revenue as newly produced ones, making the continued production of new shorts financially less appealing.
The End of an Era
The iconic cat-and-mouse duo, Tom and Jerry, created by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera, saw their initial theatrical run conclude as studios shifted their focus. The primary reason for ceasing production was a business-oriented one: the profitability of older content.
- Economic Shift: The animation studio discovered that previously released Tom and Jerry cartoons were generating significant income through re-releases. This meant that investing in and producing new, expensive animated shorts was no longer seen as a necessary or efficient way to maintain profitability for the franchise.
- Executive Decision: Consequently, an executive decision was made to cease the production of new Tom and Jerry cartoons. This marked the end of an immensely successful era for animated shorts in theaters.
Production Timeline Highlights
The cessation of Tom and Jerry production by Hanna-Barbera was part of a broader shift that also impacted the animation studio itself.
| Event | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Cessation of T&J Production | May 15, 1957 | Executive decision to stop producing new Tom and Jerry cartoons. |
| Animation Studio Ceases Operations | May 15, 1957 | The underlying animation studio (MGM cartoon studio) closed down. |
| Release of "Tot Watchers" | August 1, 1958 | The final Tom and Jerry cartoon produced by Hanna and Barbera was released. |
Although the original Hanna-Barbera run ended, Tom and Jerry have seen various revivals and new iterations over the decades under different production teams and studios, continuing their legacy for new generations.
