All of us had a delightful time last evening, watching "The Shadow Of The Cat," with a plot so creaky it could have come from Mary Roberts Rinehart, Agatha,Christie, or even the 1927 "The Cat And The Canary."
The mistress of this British manor been murdered. The viewer knows who is responsible almost immediately. The trick is so does Tabatha, the cat, and she does not suffer fools glady! The other surprise, though it should not be, is that she gives the film's best performance.
Andre Morrell, (remember him in "The Giant Behemoth?") here sporting a moustache and feigning illness, pretending to be Monty Wooley in "The Man Who Came To Dinner," really camps it up, as does Frieda Jackson as Clara, the housekeeper, who is about as far from Mrs. Danvers, as one can get!!!!!!!!!!!!!
But the screen time belongs to Tabitha, played by "Bunkie," who turns in an award-calibre performance, as she systematically dispatches just about everyone in sight. Have no compunction about cheering this kitty on, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The whole thing is as perposterous as it can be. But don't underestimate "Bunkie." She must have had an iron clad contract, and a damn good agent.
Because SHE gets the film's last shot!
I have a black cat.
ReplyDeleteWith green eyes.
She is definitely her own person.
I mean CAT.
ReplyDeleteVictoria,
So is my friend, Nicholas.
He is sweet, but I know he has
my back!