The Cat And The Canary (1939)

My rating - 7.5/10

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Ten years after the death of millionaire Cyrus Norman family members gather at his mansion in the New Orleans swamps for the reading of his will. When it's revealed that Joyce is the sole heir she's told that a second will has been drafted due to a streak of insanity that runs in the family and if she falls victim to it one of the other family members will inherit the fortune. They are also informed that a madman nicknamed "the cat" has escaped from a local asylum and with no way to leave until morning a night of murder and mystery begins.

This comedy remake of the silent 1927 movie of the same name is wonderful!. A great cast, some very funny one liners, lots of spooky atmosphere and even a couple of creepy scenes that still hold up even today. Bob Hope is very good as the cowardly wise cracking hero, although there are occasions where the constant one liners does spoil some of scenes that should have been a lot more creepy without them. Paulette Goddard, one of my favourite actresses from that era is stunning and is also wonderful as the heiress in peril. The supporting cast are also great, with special mention to Gale Sondergaard as Miss Lu who gives a fun performace as the creepy house keeper.

Bodies falling from hidden panels, hands reaching oout of the darkness to grab people, a black cat that seems to appear out of nowhere and plenty of spooky things moving in the darkness all add to the fun time you'll have with this. Bob Hope and Paulette Goddard would team up again a couple of years later for another horror/comedy called The Ghost Breakers, both of which make for a fun double bill.

SCREEN SHOTS

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