Felix the cat
The wonderful, wonderful cat!
Whenever he gets in a fix
He reaches into his bag of tricks!
Felix the cat
The wonderful, wonderful cat!
You’ll laugh so much your sides will ache
Your heart will go pit-a-pat
Watching Felix, the wonderful cat!
Felix the cat
The wonderful, wonderful cat!
You’ll never know what he does next
So don’t ever try to take a guess!
Felix the cat
The wonderful, wonderful cat!
He’s so much fun for everyone
No one can question that
‘Cause he’s Felix, the wonderful cat!
Original TV Opening
A Pioneer of Animation
The Felix the Cat theme song is most famously associated with the 1958-1960 television series produced by Trans-Lux. Composed by Winston Sharples, the tune perfectly encapsulates the surreal and playful nature of the character. Felix was the first animated character to reach a level of popularity that could draw movie audiences on his own, predating Mickey Mouse by nearly a decade.
The theme highlights Felix’s most iconic accessory: the Magic Bag of Tricks. This satchel could transform into anything Felix needed to escape a “fix,” ranging from a boat to a functional airplane. The song’s upbeat tempo and simple, repetitive lyrics helped cement Felix’s place in the hearts of the “Baby Boomer” generation and ensured the character remained a cultural icon for over a century.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who actually created Felix the Cat?
There is a long-standing historical debate between the estate of Pat Sullivan (the studio owner) and Otto Messmer (the lead animator). Most modern historians credit Messmer as the primary creative force behind the character’s look and personality.
What was the “Magic Bag of Tricks”?
Introduced in the 1950s TV series, the Magic Bag is a yellow satchel that can change shape and produce any object Felix requires. It is often sought after by villains like The Professor and Rock Bottom.
Was Felix the first cartoon on TV?
Felix has a unique TV history; in 1928, a Felix doll was used by RCA engineers as the very first image ever broadcast over television waves during experimental testing!
