The crumbling, isolated Norman mansion amidst the Louisiana Bayous is an eerie place. Even more so when the family gathers together to read a will 10 years after the previous owner, Cyrus Norman, dies. One by one, the family called to the reading and enter the mansion. We learned about their personalities and their relationship with the dead owner. One by one, they discover that they cannot leave but are trapped there for the night.
When the will is finally read, several conditions are outlined. Firstly, the only person who can inherit the mansion bears the Norman name, making Joyce (Paulette Goddard) the inheritor. But if she dies, a second envelope with a secondary heir has been left for Lawyer Crosby (George Zucco) to read. It turns out, however, that the spiritual housekeeper, Miss Lu (Gale Sonergaard), and the various family members are not the only ones in the mansion. Inside the walls is a creepy villain- ‘The Cat’.
Director Elliott Nugent, known for The Seven Year Itch and Not so Dumb, has brought to life the story penned by Walter DeLeon, Lynn Starling and John Willard in a manner similar to Cluedo or an Agatha Christie novel. Along with the mystery of who ‘The Cat’ is and where they are lurking, there is also a treasure hunt for a lost necklace, a love interest and various comedic characters.
Wally (Bob Hope) is the most comedic of these characters, and his energy fills the screen. His interactions with Cicily (Nydia Westman) are light and humorous, with repetitive jokes that play nicely. Joyce (Paulette Goddard) is likeable as a heroine and not always as defenceless or helpless as she appears in some moments. Each character is developed adequately, except perhaps the story around ‘The Cat’.
The plot generally moves at a good pace, slowing a little towards the third act before a satisfying conclusion. Some aspects of the plot are left unclear, but those gaps are forgivable, considering the other enjoyable aspects. The strong use of shadows throughout and the low lighting are delightful and add considerably to the atmosphere, as do the location and set.
Overall, The Cat and the Canary (1939) has an enjoyable plot, likeable characters, clever lighting, and an eerie setting. The various mysteries of the plot unravel at a rapid pace. While the third act could have moved a little faster, and a few plot gaps could have been filled out more, this is a wonderfully enjoyable way to spend an hour, especially if you love films like Cluedo.
The Cat and the Canary (1939) is Now Available on Blu-ray thanks to Imprint Films!
FILM SCORE: 7.5/10
Published: 29th November 2024
Written by: Trisha Walkden
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