The Fifth-Column Mouse (later reissued as Fifth Column Mouse) is a 1943 Warner Bros. animated cartoon in the Merrie Melodies . Directed by Friz Freleng, the cartoon features a band of humble mice who engage in war against a cat. The short was given a Blue Ribbon reissue, released on April 22, 1950.\r
The short film begins with a pleasant group of brown mice – to the tune of “Aint We Got Fun?” – who are enjoying various water sports in a kitchen sink. Lurking just outside the house is a sinister cat who, after breaking in, gains the confidence of a dim-witted grey mouse. The cat persuades the unsuspecting rodent to tell the other mice to become the cats slaves, and in return, promises a never-ending cheese supply. The grey mouse (who much more resembles a rat) follows the cats orders, but soon finds out the cats true intentions—to make them his dinner, and flees to join the mice. The brown mice then form a united alliance against the cat as both sides prepare for war, constructing a weapon to even the battle: a mechanical bulldog. The battle, in which the cat is chased and shaved nearly bald, forces the cat out of the house. As the mice all celebrate the victory, the grey mouse tries to claim partial credit (quoting Red Skeltons famous line I Dood it); he is immediately pied in response.