Premature Droopy

While "Deputy Droopy" is a terrific cartoon, it should be noted Tex Avery originated the basic concept three years earlier in 1952's "Rock-a-Bye Bear." This time, another MGM dog, Spike, must keep absolute silence so as to not to disturb his tyrannical employer's quest for sleep.

Some viewers term "Deputy Droopy" a remake, but I think "Rock-a-Bye Bear's" premise was so sure-fire funny, Avery couldn't resist using the blueprint again with mostly new gags and set-up plugged into the screenplay. That's fine and not much different than Bluto stealing Olive from Popeye, or Wile E. Coyote pursuing the Road Runner, or Bugs pestering Elmer, Daffy, and Yosemite Sam in picture after picture. You do what works.

Unfortunately, the superb "Rock-a-Bye Bear" is not currently available on home video.

I'm going to bed, so hold it down, will ya?