Movies We're Thankful For: The Curse of the Cat People
Filed under: Horror, Movies We're Thankful For
How do I love The Curse of the Cat People (1944)? Let me count the ways. I love it because of the deceptive, dime-store title; the movie is really a clever and resounding study of child psychology. In the original film, Oliver (Kent Smith) marries the strange and alluring Irena (Simone Simon) before realizing that she's actually, sort of, a creature who turns into a cat and tears people to ribbons. In this sequel, Oliver is re-married, to Alice (Jane Randolph), and they have a little girl, Amy (Ann Carter). Amy has a very active imagination, and despite the best efforts of parents and teachers to get her to come back to reality, she likes the company of her imaginary friend, Irena! Yes, the ghost of Amy's father's first wife comes back to visit, and protect, the child.
Despite the title, there's no horror here, and just a bit of fantasy, but it's enough to chase unwanted relatives out of the room during crowded holiday weekends. It's also a Christmas movie, complete with decorations and a Christmas carol. I love it because it was one of Val Lewton's masterful B-movie productions of the 1940s (all of them are amazing), and I love it because it's only 70 minutes long, but unbelievably rich. And I love it because I once had the pleasure of interviewing the director Robert Wise -- who took over for the slow-moving Gunther von Fritsch -- and he was such a delightful old guy, that it makes me happy to remember him.
Happy Thanksgiving, all!
Warner Bros Will Make Clint Eastwood Fans' Day
Their Best Role: Nicole Kidman in 'To Die For'
Discuss: How Long Should You Keep Netflix DVDs?
Jeremy Renner Wants To Be An Avenger
Directors We Love: Jim Jarmusch
_thumbnail.jpg)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
11-27-2008 @ 6:41PM
Moejj said...
I love this movie too! Now I hafta' find it. I totally forgot all about it. Gotta' watch it again.
Reply
11-27-2008 @ 7:55PM
Chelsea said...
I am thankful that Val Lewton made the movies that he did, that he is remembered, and that his films continue to inspire filmmakers and cineastes. My favorite feature of his is _I Walked With a Zombie_, but _Curse..._ is wonderful and heartbreaking.
Reply
11-28-2008 @ 5:04PM
Landen C said...
How coincidental that I just watched this film the other night on a whim. Does it ever get any better than Nicholas Musuraca's cinematography? I really don't think so.
And say what you will, but Sir Lancelot never ceases to make me smile no matter which film he pops up in.
Reply