FELIX THE CAT

Felix the Cat first hit the screen on November 9, 1919, in Feline Follies. The mischievous feline, created by Otto Messmer for the Pat Sullivan Studio, rocketed to fame, holding a spot as the world's most popular cartoon character until the advent of Mickey Mouse.

The wild, witty cartoons made during this period included such classics as Felix in Hollywood (1923), Felix Switches Witches (1927), and Comicalamities (1928). They were released by Paramount Pictures (1919-21), M. J. Winkler (1922-25), Educational Pictures (1925-28), First National (1928-29), and Copley Pictures (1929-31).

When his screen career faded in the 1930s, he spent a few decades in a memorable series of comics; during that era, Messmer's assistant Joe Oriolo rose to the forefront, later to produce the TV series about Felix's Magic Bag of Tricks. By the end of the 50's, Joe Oriolo decided Felix needed a boost in popularity, and this would be through the magic of television. He produced for Trans-Lux TV 264 five minute episodes of the new Felix that were immediately picked up for first-run syndication. They were a smash hit!! They ran continuously for the next 20 years.

Today, Felix most recently lit up the screen in the Twisted Tales of Felix the Cat, a warped series of feline yarns produced by Film Roman, Inc.

Truly a timeless classic that will continue to entertain us for years! Get your Felix the Cat t-shirt and continue the tradition of wonderfully entertaining cartooning that’s heading for it’s hundredth anniversary!