“The Fifth-Column Mouse” is a Merrie Melodies cartoon released in 1943. It is a World War II-themed animated short produced by Warner Bros. The term “fifth column” refers to a group of people who undermine a larger group from within, and in this context, it typically referred to enemy agents or spies.

The cartoon features a group of mice who, under the leadership of a sinister-looking mouse, attempt to sabotage a factory producing war supplies for the Allies. However, a heroic cat named Conrad intervenes and thwarts their plans. The cartoon uses humor and anthropomorphism to convey a patriotic message, promoting solidarity and vigilance during wartime.

Like many cartoons of that era, “The Fifth-Column Mouse” served as both entertainment and a form of propaganda, encouraging support for the war effort and fostering a sense of unity among the audience. The characters and storyline were crafted to deliver a clear message about the importance of identifying and thwarting potential threats to national security.