A Very Merry Cricket

A Very Merry Cricket is a 1973 telefilm in which, disgusted by the city's anti-social Christmas cacophony, Harry and Tucker decide to ask Chester to come back to revive the holiday's true spirit. It was a sequel to the acclaimed adaptation of the 1960 book The Cricket in Times Square and was followed in 1975 by another sequel, Yankee Doodle Cricket.

Directed by Chuck Jones. Written by Chuck Jones and George Selden.

Dialogue

Harry the Cat: [Reading from a Christmas book] "Merry voices and lighthearted laughter rang out. Christmas was close at hand, in all his bluff and hearty honesty; it was the season of hospitality, merriment, and open-heartedness... Gay and merry was the time; and gay and merry were at least four of the numerous hearts that were gladdened by its coming... Happy, happy Christmas. I heard the bells on Christmas day; Their old, familiar carols play; And wild and sweet, the words repeat of Peace on Earth, good will to men."

Tucker the Mouse: Peace on Earth? Goodwill to men? With all that goin' on out there? Hmpf!

Harry the Cat: You know, Tucker, I think you may have a point there. Why don't you find something more appropriate?

Tucker the Mouse: [Flipping through pages] Well, I'll tell you this much, Harry, nothing in this book could be less appropriate! [Stopping] Read on, McDuff.

Harry the Cat: Ahem. "A Visit From Saint Nicolas"...

Tucker the Mouse: Who he?

Harry the Cat: ...by Clarence Seymore.

Tucker the Mouse: Also, who he?

Harry the Cat: [Reading] "'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house..."

Tucker the Mouse: Marvelous opening.

Harry the Cat: "... not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse."

Tucker the Mouse: Not even a what? Why a mouse do I to inquire? Why do people always pick on mice not to stir?

Harry the Cat: Take it easy, Tucker! Humans are not to be mean to mice.

Tucker the Mouse: Why not? They're mean to each other aren't they? And every Christmas they get meaner!

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Tucker the Mouse: Roast mouse?! That's disgusting!

Harry the Cat: Well, I certainly can't imagine you having an apple in your mouth.

External links

• A Very Merry Cricket quotes at the Internet Movie Database