The Cat and the Canary (1939)
Genre: Thriller / Comedy
Duration: 72 minuten
Country:
United States
Directed by: Elliott Nugent
Stars: Bob Hope, Paulette Goddard and John Beal
IMDb score:
7,1 (4.202)
Releasedate: 27 October 1939
This movie is not available on US streaming services.
The Cat and the Canary plot
"A CHILL-AND-CHUCKLE CHASE!...A FORTUNE AT STAKE AND A MONSTER AT LARGE!"
It's been ten years since millionaire Cyrus Norman died. Six of his family members are brought together by Cyrus' lawyer for the inheritance. Unfortunately for the others, Joyce turns out to be the only legal heiress. However, a second will has been made should something happen to Joyce, which puts her in a vulnerable position. Then when the maid tells that she has received a message from the spirits that one of the relatives will die that evening, the dolls are dancing.
Actors and actresses
Wally Campbell
Joyce Norman
Fred Blythe
Charles Wilder
Miss Lu
Aunt Susan
Cicily
Lawyer Crosby
Hendricks
Indian Guide
Reviews & comments
Onderhond
-
- 87592 messages
- 12835 votes
Cute.
Bob Hope is an actor who's actually too smooth for the era in which he acted. While actors used to come across as rather stiff, I never get that feeling with Hope. Here too, he's a clear bright spot. Although I have to say, Goddard isn't the typical sissy they often cast as leading ladies in older films.
It was also quite funny to see an older version of the age-old story. The Clue element didn't quite work, but the "haunted" (well, actually) house thing was quite fun. Lots of shadows, a charming house, and treasure chests to find. It never gets scary, exciting, or mysterious, but when you walk through the secret passages, it's quite atmospheric.
It's also nice that it doesn't have to be too long. 70 minutes is more than enough for a film like this. It's also striking that the remake virus was already catching fire in '39. The previous version was only 12 years old when this remake was released.
1.5*
Translated from Dutch · View original
coumi
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- 1462 messages
- 12308 votes
As a fan of old junk, I enjoyed watching it. It never approaches perfection; nowadays, you'd expect more from such a strong story, but as a product of its time, it's certainly a success. It also offers the chance to see the legend of Hope, although, to be honest, I wasn't impressed. The man's performance isn't exactly natural and never brings his character to life; I'm never quite sure what his charm is. Goddard, in the female lead, is much more lifelike, and her contribution almost camouflages the fact that director Nugent makes some rather sloppy mistakes here and there. So, no budding Hitchcock; this version is entertaining but lacks pure class. I understand it's one of the better film adaptations, which almost invites me to give it another try. It could have been a bit shorter, though.
Translated from Dutch · View original
clubsport
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- 3810 messages
- 6939 votes
Of course not a real horror film but more of a comedy with some atmospheric horror elements in it, Hope plays the comic clown again, albeit a little more subdued than we are used to from him, Goddard is again the charming beauty who receives the inheritance but must try to survive the night because an unknown person wants her inheritance.
It is of course quite tame by modern standards, but the atmosphere is there and the film is quite entertaining and short enough.
Translated from Dutch · View originalLatest News
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