When an eccentric family meets in their uncle's remote, decaying mansion on the tenth anniversary of his death for the reading of his will, murder and madness follow.When an eccentric family meets in their uncle's remote, decaying mansion on the tenth anniversary of his death for the reading of his will, murder and madness follow.When an eccentric family meets in their uncle's remote, decaying mansion on the tenth anniversary of his death for the reading of his will, murder and madness follow.
IMDb RATING
7.2/10
3K
YOUR RATING
- Director
- Writers
- Walter DeLeon(screenplay)
- Lynn Starling(screenplay)
- John Willard(based on the stage play by)
- Stars
Top credits
- Director
- Writers
- Walter DeLeon(screenplay)
- Lynn Starling(screenplay)
- John Willard(based on the stage play by)
- Stars
- Awards
- 1 win
William Abbey
- 'The Cat'as 'The Cat'
- (uncredited)
Milton Kibbee
- Photographeras Photographer
- (uncredited)
Charles Lane
- Reporteras Reporter
- (uncredited)
Frank Melton
- Reporteras Reporter
- (uncredited)
Nick Thompson
- Indian Guideas Indian Guide
- (uncredited)
Chief Thundercloud
- Indian Guideas Indian Guide
- (uncredited)
- Director
- Writers
- Walter DeLeon(screenplay)
- Lynn Starling(screenplay)
- John Willard(based on the stage play by)
- All cast & crew
- See more cast details at IMDbPro
Storyline
Ten years have passed since the death of millionaire, Cyrus Norman. Cosby, Cyrus' attorney, has gathered Cyrus' 6 remaining relatives to his New Orleans' mansion for Cyrus' "reading of the will". To the others disappointment, Joyce is the sole heir, but, due to a streak of insanity running in the family, a second will has been made in case Joyce falls victim to it. This puts Joyce in danger. Suddenly, Miss Lu, Cyrus' maid, appears and warns them that the spirits have told her that one of them will die that night. Following this, Hendrick, a prison guard, warns them that, "The Cat", a homicidal maniac has escaped. This sets up Cyrus' relatives with a night filled with murders, mysteries and intrigue. —Kelly
- Taglines
- A CHILL-AND-CHUCKLE CHASE!...A FORTUNE AT STAKE AND A MONSTER AT LARGE! (original ad - all caps)
- Genres
- Certificate
- Approved
- Parents guide
Did you know
- TriviaElizabeth Patterson played the role of Susan in both this and the first sound version of the story, "The Cat Creeps (1930)."
- GoofsWhen the heirs heading to the house in a boat point out a swimming alligator, protective tape is visibly wrapped around its mouth..
- Quotes
Cicily: It's awful spooky down here. Do you believe in reincarnation?
Wally Campbell: Huh?
Cicily: You know... that dead people come back?
Wally Campbell: You mean like the Republicans?
- ConnectionsEdited into Histoire(s) du cinéma: Seul le cinéma (1994)
Top review
Hope at His Wittiest!
Most of Bob Hope's films rely heavily on the humour of the times, with references to political and cultural events figuring in significantly. Sometimes this detracts from his films, because the humour is not always self-evident. Not is the case with his performance in the remake of Paul Leni's The Cat and the Canary. Hope has one great one-liner after another in this old dark house mystery-comedy. The story is pretty familiar: a group a relations must stay a night in a house, listen to a will, and then remain there for the evening to see if the inheritor remains sane throughout the evening. Of course, we the audience are treated to secret panels, an occasional murder, hooded culprits, and a great mystery. The Cat and the Canary works so well for a number of reasons. First, it is a very atmospheric film taking place in the swamplands of Louisiana. The film is by no means big budget but does do the most with what it has. The surrounding swampland have an authentic feeling to them and the house itself is magnificently eerie. The cast is quite good with Bob Hope saving the film from tiresome formula with his special brand of humour and his excellent timing. Despite his great performance, he is almost upstaged by Gale Sondergaard as a dark, brooding servant. George Zucco also has a nice supporting role. All in all a nice way to spend an evening.
helpful•271
- BaronBl00d
- Jun 12, 2000
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- Le mystère de la maison Norman
- Filming locations
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- Runtime1 hour 12 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.37 : 1
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Top Gap
By what name was The Cat and the Canary (1939) officially released in India in English?
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