VIDEO/ Here's what the legendary movie "Tom and Jerry" looked like when it was first released

The world first met the iconic cat and mouse characters in the cartoon "Puss in Boots" in 1940.

Although not yet called Tom and Jerry, this cartoon was a turning point that launched one of the most famous animated films of all time, reports Indeksonline.

In this animated short film, Jasper the cat (original name for Tom) and Jinx the mouse (original name for Jerry) engage in a classic game of trickery.

The story follows Jasper, who tries to catch a mouse, but unknowingly breaks a vase in the process. His strict owner, Mammy Two Shoes, warns him that if he breaks another object, he will be kicked out of the house.

Jinx cleverly uses this to her advantage and causes chaos, forcing Jasper to do exactly what he shouldn't, another burglary. In the end, Mammy Two Shoes heeds her warning and literally kicks the cat out the door.

The cartoon was directed by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera, with Fred Quimby overseeing production. The animation was produced under the auspices of the MGM studio, and the characters showed incredible chemistry from their first appearance, captivating audiences.

Although the characters initially had different names, they were soon renamed Tom and Jerry – names that are now synonymous with classic animation. “Puss in Boots” was a huge success and was even nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film. Although it didn’t win the award, MGM recognized the potential of these characters, which led to the development of the entire series.Indeksonline/