Life With Feathers (1945) - Merrie Melodies Theatrical Cartoon Series

Sylvester is one of the greatest under-rated characters of all time. The fact that this cartoon, his debut performance, was nominated for an Oscar proves that indefinitely.

It should go without saying that the a characters first appearance is always a big step in his career. Much like a human being's life wouldn't amount to much if he stayed in the womb. But, none-the-less, Sylvester's beginning was quite monumantal for him. Virtually every aspect of Sylvester's persona was here: his low but calculating intelligence, his dexterity at entertaining us while being the butt of a smaller animal's joke, not to mention his trademark lisp and catch-phrase "Thufferin' Thuccatash!"
But, what also helped this cartoon along is it's ingenious story. Friz expertly pulled off a role reversal inwhich the bird WANTS to be eaten but Sylvester does NOT want to eat him. Then, at the end, the roles are switched back again. And, it all happens in a way that makes sense. Not once do you scratch your head and ask "why did they do that?" The story flows beautifully. That is the reason why this particular cartoon was nominated for an Oscar and Sylvester was on his way.

All the really salient traits of Sylvester's character originated here--he's not the two-dimensional bad-guy many stereotype him as being.
Perhaps not the SUPREME Sylvester film, but an invaluable point of referece for anyone.