Year: 1988
Language: English
Format: 35mm Colour
Runtime: 8 min
Director: Cordell Barker
Producer: Cordell Barker, Ches Yetman, Richard Condie
Writer: Cordell Barker
Cinematographer: Lorne Bailey
Animation: Cordell Barker
Sound: Clive Perry, John McCulloch, Cordell Barker, Ken Rodeck, Ed Ledson, Richard Condie
Music: John McCulloch
Cast: Richard Condie
Production Company: National Film Board of Canada

Arguably the most popular animated short ever produced by the National Film Board, The Cat Came Back is inspired by Harry S. Miller’s century-old folk song (made popular by Canadian children’s performer Fred Penner). It tells the wacky and very funny tale of a man who wants nothing more than to get rid of a crazy, self-centred cat that has been left on his doorstep. During one of his many comical attempts to do away with the freaky feline, the frustrated pet owner blows himself up. He believes he is finally free of his nemesis – but, even in the afterlife, the cat comes back.

Cordell Barker’s clever, hyperactive animation and off-the-wall humour, along with Richard Condie’s deliriously absurd voice work, help make this fast-paced short film entertaining for children and adults alike. Mentored by Condie, it received numerous awards, including both an Academy Award® nomination and a Genie Award for Best Animated Short.