The animated adventures of Tom the Cat, and Jerry the Mouse have entertained millions of children since the days of black and white television. William Hanna and Joseph Barbera began writing the cartoons in 1940. They made 114 episodes themselves for MGM Studios. They certainly created a magical recipe with their tales of Tom & Jerry. Tom & Jerry have an on-going love-hate relationship which sees them chasing each other with rolling pins, shovels and such like. Tom is always unsuccessful in catching Jerry for his dinner, who is often protected by Spike the Bulldog. Tom's love interest - Toodles is also ever-elusive, and her affections are also sought by Tom's adversary - Butch the black cat. The pair are such enemies, that Tom will often save Jerry from Butch's dinner plate. Currently being screened on Cartoon Network, Tom & Jerry is in it's 71st year as one of the world's favourite animated productions.