The Cat in the Hat (1971)

The Cat in the Hat (also known as Dr. Seuss' The Cat in the Hat) is a 1971 animated musical television special first aired on CBS on July 4, 1971, based on the 1957 Dr. Seuss children's book of the same name, and produced by DePatie-Freleng Enterprises. With voices by Allan Sherman and prolific vocal performer Daws Butler, this half-hour special is a loose adaptation with added musical sequences.

Plot
A 6 foot tall talking cat in a hat comes to visit two kids that are feeling down in the dumps as it rains. The cat then causes mischief, which doesn't impress the kids or their pet fish.

Why It's The True Cat in the Hat We All Know And Love

 * 1) Unlike the 2003 live-action film of the same name as this short, it's a lot more faithful to the book, even though it's quite short.
 * 2) Beautiful traditional animation that fits the Dr. Seuss style.
 * 3) Decent voice-acting. For example, Allan Sherman was great as the Cat in the Hat. He would also do a great job in reprising his role as the Cat in Dr Seuss on the Loose (1973), which would be his last role before his death on November 20, 1973.
 * 4) The Cat in the Hat is a very clever and friendly role model for the kids.
 * 5) Thing 1 and Thing 2 are very cute and funny.
 * 6) Bright and catchy songs like Cat, Hat, I'm A Punk, Moss Covered Three Handled Family Grudunza and Sweep Up the Memories
 * 7) Great messages about the importance of responsibility.
 * 8) Splendid colors.
 * 9) Dr. Seuss, Chuck Jones, Friz Freleng, and David DePatie were involved in making the movie.
 * 10) This special aired on TV during America's birthday on July 4th, 1971. Notice the release date in the infobox.

Bad Qualities

 * 1) Although it is faithful to the book, the Cat seemed indifferent for ruining the house by the end and doesn’t say "Oh dear, you did not like our game. Oh dear, what a shame! What a shame! What a shame!". Instead, he just says "Thank you, thank you, for this fascinating afternoon.".
 * 2) Sometimes it reuse frames, but it still looks good.