The Nine Lives of Fritz the Cat

The Nine Lives of Fritz the Cat is an adult animated comedy film from 1974 that was directed by Robert Taylor. It is a sequel to the 1972 movie, Fritz the Cat, and features the titular character, Fritz, who is voiced by Skip Hinnant.

The movie follows Fritz, a hedonistic and irreverent feline who is fed up with his mundane life and seeks adventure and excitement. He embarks on a series of misadventures that take him through wild and bizarre scenarios, including a militant revolutionary group, a Jewish gangster, and an acid trip that sends him into a surreal and psychedelic world.

Throughout his journey, Fritz meets a variety of characters, including a psychedelic rabbit, a group of free-loving hippies, and a feminist artist. He gets involved in political activism, sex, drugs, and rock and roll, all while trying to find his place in the world.

The animation style of The Nine Lives of Fritz the Cat is reminiscent of the 1960s and 1970s, with bright colors and bold lines. The humor is very much rooted in the counterculture of the era, with references to Vietnam War protests, marijuana use, and free love.

One of the key themes of the movie is the clash between the rebellious, anti-establishment values of the counterculture and the more conservative mainstream. Fritz represents the former, while many of the other characters in the movie represent the latter. The tension between these two groups is played out in various ways, from political protests to sexual liberation to encounters with law enforcement.

Despite its comic tone, The Nine Lives of Fritz the Cat touches on some serious socio-political issues of the time. It explores themes such as racism, police brutality, and the Vietnam War in a way that is both irreverent and thought-provoking.

The voice acting in the movie is top-notch, with Skip Hinnant delivering an energetic and engaging performance as Fritz. Reva Rose and Bob Holt also give strong performances as various supporting characters.

The animation is not particularly polished, but it has a certain charm to it that fits well with the movie's comedic tone. At times, the animation can be crude and even offensive, particularly in its depiction of women and minorities. However, this was likely intentional, given the countercultural context of the movie.

Overall, The Nine Lives of Fritz the Cat is a fun and entertaining movie that provides a fascinating look into the culture and politics of the 1970s. It may not be for everyone, particularly those who are easily offended by unconventional humor or animated depictions of sex and drug use. However, for those who enjoy edgy humor and are interested in the counterculture of the 1970s, this movie is definitely worth checking out.