6.3/10
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The Truth About Cats & Dogs (1996)

PG-13 | | Comedy, Romance | 26 April 1996 (USA)
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A successful veternarian & radio show host with low self-esteem asks her model friend to impersonate her when a handsome man wants to see her.

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1 nomination. See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
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Ed
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Roy
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La Tanya M. Fisher ...
Faryn Einhorn ...
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Dechen Thurman ...
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Storyline

Janeane Garofalo plays Dr. Abby Barnes, the "Truth About Cats and Dogs" radio question-and-answer show host who unwittingly entices a listener over the radio with her soothing voice and personality. This listener, Brian, tries to meet the Abby from the radio, but Noelle, played by Uma Thurman, is mistaken for the real thing when Brian comes to the studio. Instead of clearing things up right away, the self-conscious Abby allows her best friend, Noelle, a tall, stunning blonde, to take her place for a while. Abby takes on the made-up persona of Donna, while thinking Brian would never go for her, a short, cute, brunette, who thinks she's unattractive. As the real Abby woos Brian over the phone and radio, Noelle, the pseudo-Abby, takes her place in the flesh. As time goes on, Abby feels more and more confident that Brian would rather have the beautiful Noelle than the simply attractive Abby. Written by Joelsef <joelsef@geocities.com>

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Taglines:

Brian's about to discover the woman he loves isn't the woman he loves.

Genres:

Comedy | Romance

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 on appeal for a sex-related scene and brief strong language | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Country:

Language:

Release Date:

26 April 1996 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Entre chiens et chats  »

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

£302,403 (UK) (19 July 1996)

Gross:

$34,073,143 (USA) (9 August 1996)
 »

Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Color:

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Although this is Janeane Garofalo's first starring role, Uma Thurman naturally got top billing because she was a much more famous name, even though she only gets half the screen time Garofalo does. See more »

Goofs

Abby's mug disappears when she comforts Noelle. See more »

Quotes

Abby: I have to tell you something.
Brian: What?
Abby: The other night on the phone...I'm pregnant.
Brian: Oh darling...are you sure it was me?
Abby: I don't know. I made a lot of phone calls that night.
See more »

Crazy Credits

In the opening scene, when Janeane Garofalo is about to get on the elevator, as the credits come to an end, Micheal Lehmann's credit is crushed by the elevator doors. See more »

Connections

Referenced in Janeane Garofalo (1997) See more »

Soundtracks

I Can't Imagine
Written by Steve Lindsey, Aaron Neville and Brock Walsh
Performed by Aaron Neville
Produced by Steve Lindsey and Brock Walsh
Aaron Neville appears courtesy of A&M Records, Inc.
See more »

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User Reviews

 
"You can love your pets -- you just can't 'love' your pets."
21 April 2001 | by (Seattle, Washington) – See all my reviews

This film is an absolute gem, showcasing the incredible talents of Janeane Garofalo and highlighting the physical beauty of Uma Thurman (and Ben Chaplin).

It is an incredibly well crafted and well-written film due to the efforts of director Michael Lehmann and author Audrey Wells.

If there were ever any doubts as to the acting ability of Ms Garofalo this film will put them to rest. There are scenes in which she is positively luminescent as the 'voice on the radio' – Dr Abby Barnes.

This film was to be a star vehicle for Uma Thurman: she has top billing both in the opening title sequence and in the closing credits. She also has the personal assistant, personal makeup and hair and even a personal acting coach! But she has worked on just 12 films since 'Cats and Dogs' was released and Ms Garofalo has completed 39!

Janeane steals the show (again)!

The story is derivative: Basically it is the Cyrano story; however, it is given new life and freshness by the appealing characters and plot twists.

I must admit that I am a bit tired of Janeane Garofalo playing the 'ugly' girl roles. She is far from ugly and really should be playing the romantic characters more often.

This really is an outstanding film – the scenes with 'Hank' steal the show and the late-night telephone conversation between Abby and Brian should not to be missed.


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Masturbation Scene--Tacky!!! lizzy_kermit_the_frog
Abby loses weight for end love scene mesaydayo
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