Cats (27 Oct. 1998)

"Jellicle" cats join for a Jellicle ball where they rejoice with their leader, Old Deuteronomy. One cat will be chosen to go to the "Heavyside Layer" and be reborn. The cats introduce themselves.

Director:

David Mallet

Writer:

T.S. Eliot (book)

Stars:

Elaine Paige, John Mills, Ken Page

Cast

Episode cast overview, first billed only:
Elaine Paige	...	Grizabella
John Mills	...	Gus the Theatrical Cat
Ken Page	...	Old Deuteronomy
Rosemarie Ford	...	Bombalurina
Michael Gruber	...	Munkustrap
John Partridge	...	Rum Tum Tugger
Aeva May	...	Demeter
Geoffrey Garratt	...	Skimbleshanks
James Barron	...	Bustopher Jones
Jo Gibb	...	Rumpleteazer
Drew Varley	...	Mungojerrie
Susie McKenna	...	Jennyanydots the Gumbie Cat
Jacob Brent	...	Mr. Mistoffelees / Quaxo
Susan Jane Tanner	...	Jellylorum
Phyllida Crowley Smith	...	Victoria

Storyline

Cats is a pop-cultural phenomenon that has been performed on stage for more than 50 million patrons in 26 countries for almost 18 years, resulting in more than two billion dollars in ticket sales. Now that Cats has finally made it to the small screen, attention must be paid not just by fans of this critic-proof show, but also by those entertainment mavens who have somehow avoided it until now.

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Plot Keywords:

cat | based on stage musical | lifting someone into the air | slow motion scene | based on book | 

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Taglines:

Das weltweit beliebteste Musical von Andrew Lloyd Webber - Die Erinnerung wird immer bleiben! (The worldwide most liked musical of Andrew Lloyd Webber - The memory will last forever!)

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Genres:

Drama | Music | Musical

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Details

Official Sites:

Really Useful Group/PolyGram Video

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

27 October 1998 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Adelphi Theatre, Strand, London, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Really Useful Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

120 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The words "Jellicle cat" came from when T.S. Eliot's niece tried to say "dear little cat" and the words "Pollicle dog" came from when she tried to say "poor little dog."

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Goofs

During the last part of "The Gumbie Cat", we see Munkustrap, Jellylorum, Demeter, and Bombalurina helping Jennyanydots take off the Gumbie costume in the front right part of the stage. We see her in her flapper outfit, then there's a shot of the beetles, and in the next shot, Jennyanydots is in the center back of the stage, walking forward, and the others have disappeared.

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Quotes

Jennyanydots the Gumbie Cat: Bustopher Jones is not skin and bones.
Bombalurina: In fact, he's remarkably fat.
Jellylorum: He doesn't haunt pubs.
Jennyanydots the Gumbie Cat: He has eight or nine clubs...
Jennyanydots the Gumbie Cat, Bombalurina, Jellylorum: For he's the St. James' Street cat.

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Crazy Credits

Credits show clips of each person in their characters costume from the video along with their name and character role.

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Connections

Referenced in Six Degrees of Separation (1993)

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Soundtracks

"The Old Gumbie Cat"
Written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and T.S. Eliot
Performed by Michael Gruber, Susie McKenna and chorus

User Reviews

Love it, love it, love it!

When I found out that my all-time favorite musical was coming to video, I flipped. I could not believe it. And when they closed, I was thrilled to have my own copy to relive the memory whenever I wanted. The video version is great. It shows the beautiful costumes and makeup and all the dancing! I always wondered how they did it. Tons of shots of my favorite cat, Munkustrap, along with the Rum Tum Tugger and Mistoffolees.

The only complaint I have is that they cut 'Growltiger's Last Stand' from the video. This is one of the funniest numbers, and it is missing. On the other hand, they do have 'The Aweful Battle of the Pekes and Pollices,' which is missing off the original cast recording. Unfortunately, there is not a complete American version of this show.

For anyone who loves the musical, get a copy. Who knows if this beloved show will return to the stage? At least the magic will live forever.