Red is a character created by Tex Avery, who appears in several MGM short films as well as Tom and Jerry media. Some examples include Tom & Jerry Kids, Tom and Jerry Meet Sherlock Holmes, Tom and Jerry: Robin Hood and His Merry Mouse and Tom and Jerry's Giant Adventure, which marks her final appearance due to changing sensibilities for children’s programming.
History
Tom & Jerry Kids
Red appears as Miss Vavoom in the show. She is one of the main female characters of Tom & Jerry Kids Show. Miss Vavoom appears to be a role of Red, which she played in all of her appearances in Tom & Jerry Kids Show. Due to her seductive nature, she is mainly the target of McWolf or some other villain. Sometimes, she is in a few of the Tom Cat and Jerry Mouse sketches.
Tom and Jerry Meet Sherlock Holmes
In a vibrant low-class bar filled with laughter and lively chatter, Red takes the stage as the star attraction, captivating her audience with her enchanting performances. Clad in a stunning short, pleated, sleeveless pink dress with matching pink gloves, a chic white feathered hat, high heels, and holding a delicate pink parasol, she radiates charm and allure. Her sweet demeanor endears her to all, especially to Tom and Jerry, who are frequent visitors.
However, it's not just the duo who are smitten; Jerry Mouse, along with Dr. Watson, finds himself enchanted by Red's charisma and beauty. Unknown to them, Red’s popularity has made her the target of a sinister plot. Her family friend, under the guise of concern, suggests that Sherlock Holmes investigate a series of mysterious robberies that have left her sulking in shadows of suspicion. This friend, however, is none other than the malevolent Professor Moriarty, secretly orchestrating her downfall.
Red's most notable appearance is in "Tom and Jerry Meet Sherlock Holmes," where she takes on the role of a celebrated singer falsely accused of the very crimes she is trying to escape. As the plot unfolds, Holmes dives into the mystery, clearing her name and revealing Moriarty's treachery. With the criminal mastermind apprehended, Red can finally breathe a sigh of relief and embrace her happy ending, culminating in her marriage to the Wolf, who has patiently waited for her through the turmoil.
Tom and Jerry: Robin Hood and His Merry Mouse
In Tom and Jerry: Robin Hood and His Merry Mouse, Red plays Maid Marian, the love interest of the outlaw Robin Hood. She finds herself in a complicated situation, also attracting the attention of three Wolves who act as guards and the Sheriff of Nottingham. As a clever spy in the castle, she gathers valuable information but is soon discovered by the Sheriff. He offers to spare her life in exchange for her hand in marriage, but she defiantly responds that she would rather face the executioner's axe than marry him.
As the Sheriff leaves the room, he instructs the Wolves to kill Marian if she attempts to escape. One of the Wolves humorously questions, "Are you sure? She's the only girl in this whole picture." Meanwhile, Tom Cat serves as her squire and a spy hired by the Sheriff. Marian cleverly defeats the guards by using their crush on her to turn them against each other, allowing her to navigate the dangerous situation with wit and resourcefulness.
Tom and Jerry's Giant Adventure
Red appears as Red Fairy in the film. This version of her, she has her hair look like her original self and is sporting a red one-piece shoulderless bandeau swimsuit with white puff on the breast and around the waist, similar to her showgirl appearance from the Droopy cartoon "The Shooting of Dan McGoo" (1945). She also has opera gloves on with red high heels (including ankle buckles) and wings. Red Fairy remains as the protector of her town and helped Tom and Jerry get back home.
In the film, Red appears as the character Red Fairy. This verison of her features her iconic hairstyle while she wears a striking red one-piece shoulderless bandeau swimsuit, adorned with a white puff detail on the bust and around the waist, reminiscent of her showgirl appearance in the Droopy cartoon "The Shooting of Dan McGoo" (1945). Additionally, Red Fairy is complemented by elegant opera gloves, red high heels with ankle buckles, and delicate wings. As the protector of her town, Red Fairy plays a crucial role in assisting Tom and Jerry on their journey home, showcasing her commitment to safeguarding her community.
Characteristics
Bio
Red is a captivating nightclub singer, known for her stunning performances that enchant audiences with every note. Her presence on stage radiates charisma and allure, drawing fans from near and far.
Personality
Red possesses a multifaceted personality that makes her both endearing and intriguing. She is gorgeous and beautiful, exuding confidence and charm in all her interactions. Her caring nature and flirtatious spirit add to her sultry and seductive appeal, while her romantic side shines through in her relationships. Red is also tough and intelligent, showcasing a sassy wit that keeps those around her on their toes. She is emotional, charismatic, and strong-willed, blending sophistication with a feisty spark. Above all, her sweetness and warmth make her an unforgettable character.
Appearance
Red is an attractive young woman, characterized by her striking bright hair varying from red to orange, and captivating blue eyes. She also wears makeup consisting of red lipstick, blush, and blue eyeshadow. Her iconic look, combined with her glamorous outfits, enhances her allure as a nightclub performer and a beloved character.
As Miss Vavoom, her hair is slightly wavy along with a bang that usually covers her eye. She also wears different eyeshadow as well.
Appearances
Tex Avery Shorts
- Red Hot Riding Hood (1943, debut)
- Big Heel-Watha (Buck of the Month) (1944)
- The Shooting of Dan McGoo (1945)
- Swing Shift Cinderella (1945)
- Wild and Woolfy (1945)
- Uncle Tom's Cabaña (1947)
- Little Rural Riding Hood (1949)
Tom and Jerry Kids
- Most of the episodes (debut in Tom and Jerry, as Miss Vavoom)
Films
- Tom and Jerry Meet Sherlock Holmes
- Tom and Jerry: Robin Hood and His Merry Mouse (as Maid Marian)
- Tom and Jerry's Giant Adventure (as Red Fairy)
Gallery
- Main article: Red/Gallery
Notes
- Red was created by Tex Avery for the original MGM cartoons.
- A character similar to her with blonde hair appeared in Tom and Jerry Tales, voiced by Kelly Sheridan named Miss Shapely.
- Turner bought MGM in 1986 and then sold off MGM while retaining the majority of the pre-1986 back catalog. So when Warner Bros bought Turner in 1996, they got the rights to all of Tex Avery's MGM characters, including Red and Butch the Irish Dog. After that, Red was officially added to the Tom and Jerry franchise, starting with Tom and Jerry Meet Sherlock Holmes in 2010.
- After Tom and Jerry's Giant Adventure, Warner Bros. would eventually retire the character from the cartoons due to changing sensibilities owing to the concerns from parents about the sexualization in children’s programs. Several later reboots would mandate these changes since the mid 2010s, which explains the removals of Miss Bellum in The Powerpuff Girls reboot and Hello Nurse in the Animaniacs reboot.
- Miss Vavoom was based off Red. Since Warner Bros. acquired the rights to every Tex Avery character in 1996, Vavoom was completely replaced with the real "Red" character, starting in Tom and Jerry Meet Sherlock Holmes. She became dismissed from being part of the Tom and Jerry characters after the cancellation of Tom & Jerry Kids Show, as she is considered a knockoff of one of Tex Avery's characters. It is now believed that Miss Vavoom is one of the roles of Red, which she played in all of her appearances in Tom & Jerry Kids Show.
- She has the same name as one of the main characters from Colourblocks as well as one of the stick figures from Animator vs. Animation, although the latter is male.