Directed by Jacques Tourneur
1942/USA
RKO Radio Pictures
First viewing
#154 of 1001 Films You Must See Before You Die
Irena Dubrovna: I like the dark. It’s friendly.
I’ve been reading about this film so long it’s a wonder I haven’t seen it until now. It was certainly not a disappointment.
Simone Simon plays Serbian expatriate Irena Dubrovna, who has a fascination with cats. She meets architect Oliver Reed (Kent Smith) near the panther cage at the zoo and they fall in love and marry. Irena tells Oliver of her village’s legend about evil people who turn into vicious cats when aroused. She fears that her mother was one of these and that if her passions are raised by lovemaking, jealousy, or anger she also will turn into a cat. Oliver is at first remarkably patient. Irena agrees to see psychiatrist Dr. Judd (Tom Conway) but he makes little progress. In the meantime, Oliver grows closer to co-worker Alice Moore who admits her love for him. Irena’s fears are soon to be tested …
This is a beautiful and chilling film. It gave me the creeps even though I should have known better. Master of noir shadows Nicholas Masuraca lights the whole thing with incredible skill and director Jacques Tourneur creates hides his scares in those shadows masterfully. I also thought the story was touching. Simon , who looks a bit like a kitten, is sympathetic as well as sensuously menacing. Highly recommended.
Re-release Trailer
Very glad to hear CAT PEOPLE did not disappoint. I can see and hear the swimming pool scene. Brilliant!
I honestly felt scared! Couldn’t agree more!!
I think we all think of the swimming pool scene when this movie is mentioned. This film proves that you don’t have to have blood and gore to make you shiver. Simon does look a bit like a cat and Tom Conway looks like his brother,George Sanders! Great film.
I also love the scene where Irena is stalking Alice through Central Park! This will not be the last time I watch this picture.
I am happy you liked this one. It was much better than I expected it to be. There are some problems storywise, but the cinematography is great. Total film noir feel.
Yes, it could so easily have been camp but it was not at all thanks to the skill of the director and the cinematographer.