Title: Krazy Kat – The Great Cheese Robbery Release Year: 1920 Runtime: Approx. 5 minutes Studio: International Film Service (IFS) Directed by: Vernon Stallings Animation by: Frank Moser (likely) Based on Characters by: George Herriman Genres: Silent, Animation, Comedy, Slapstick, Short Film --- Overview: Krazy Kat – The Great Cheese Robbery is a silent black-and-white animated short rooted in the whimsical and surreal tone of George Herriman’s legendary comic strip. This particular short follows the standard template of early animation: an absurd plot, frantic chase scenes, and imaginative slapstick humor. --- Plot Summary: The story begins with a massive wheel of cheese being stolen, triggering a madcap pursuit. Krazy Kat, ever the quirky hero, takes off after the mischievous thief—possibly inspired by Ignatz Mouse—across rooftops, tunnels, and wagons. A variety of gags, exaggerated expressions, and improbable stunts ensue, leading either to victory or comic failure, depending on the cut of the short. --- Art Style & Animation: Rubber-hose animation typical of the 1910s–1920s. Sparse, whimsical backgrounds. Expressive characters with exaggerated movement. Repetition of animation cycles for comedic effect. Silent format with intertitles and piano accompaniment. --- Legacy & Cultural Context: One of many early adaptations of the Krazy Kat strip, which is celebrated for its surrealism, philosophical undertones, and subversion of norms. This short lacks the comic’s deeper themes but preserves its zany, offbeat energy. An early example of anthropomorphic animal comedy, a foundation for generations of cartoon storytelling. --- Historical Notes: The Krazy Kat character's gender and personality shift from cartoon to cartoon—here they serve mostly as a comedic straight man. Often cited as a precursor to the Tom and Jerry formula, with mouse-cat dynamics and escalating chaos. These early IFS shorts contributed to the evolving language of visual comedy in animation. --- Curated Hashtags: #KrazyKat #SilentAnimation #1920sCartoons #GoldenAgeAnimation #GeorgeHerriman #IgnatzMouse #ClassicCartoons #TheGreatCheeseRobbery #RubberHoseAnimation #CatAndMouse #VintageAnimation #AnimationHistory #SlapstickHumor #ShortFilmHistory #LostCartoons