Cast
View All
Hayley Mills
as Patti Randall
Dean Jones
as Zeke Kelso
Dorothy Provine
as Ingrid Randall
Roddy McDowall
as Gregory Benson
Frank Gorshin
as Iggy
Neville Brand
as Dan
Elsa Lanchester
as Mrs. MacDougall
William Demarest
as Mr. MacDougall
Richard Eastham
as Supervisor Newton
Grayson Hall
as Margaret Miller
Tom Lowell
as Canoe Henderson
Richard Deacon
as Drive-in-Manager
Iris Adrian
as Landlady
Liam Sullivan
as Graham
Don Dorrell
as Spires
Crew
Director
- Robert Stevenson
Writer
- Gordon Gordon
- Mildred Gordon
Producer
- Walt Disney
Reviews
John Chard
What time is it Kitty Kat?
That Darn Cat! is out of Disney Productions and directed by Robert Stevenson. Collectively written by Bill Walsh and The Gordons (Mildred & Gordon), it stars Hayley Mills, Dean Jones, Dorothy Provine, Roddy McDowall, Neville Brand and Frank Gorshin. Music is by Robert F. Brunner and cinematography by Edward Colman.
When DC the Siamese cat is found to have a watch around his neck, one of his owners, Pattii Randall (Mills), alerts the FBI to the possibility it's a clue to a recent kidnapping. Cue much malarkey as humans and cat try to solve the crime whilst staying one step/paw ahead of the criminals...
Utterly harmless fluff from the House of the Mouse, That Darn Cat! is basically a live action cartoon. Away from the wonderful cat(s) performance - and the skillful capturing of said cat(s) reactions to situations - there's no great technical genius here. Nothing wrong with that, this is good old fashioned entertainment for the kids to chuckle along with and for the adults to smile at. Yes some of the performances are twee or precious, and the story is silly, but it's honest family fare that's also boosted by Ed Wynn and Elsa Lanchester in secondary support slots. 6.5/10
Apr 14, 2020
r96sk
Funny, probably the most I've laughed at a Disney film so far.
<em>'That Darn Cat!'</em> is an entertaining production. The premise, whilst not incredibly executed, is amusing and very watchable. Cast-wise it's terrific, Hayley Mills and Dean Jones certainly raise everyone else up but all the characters are astutely cast. DC the cat is adorable, too.
Mills plays Patti while Jones portrays Kelso. They both work very well together, I enjoyed both performances. Ed Wynn has, like in <em>'Those Calloways'</em>, a good short showing. No others stand out per se, but they all bring little things to their respective roles.
I do wish they would've done more with the villains though, given they were nicely cast. What they give is decent, but they definitely could've played a bigger part. The film probably runs 10-15 minutes too long also.
You should watch this if you get the opportunity, it makes for fun viewing.
Jul 25, 2020
Thematic Analysis
That Darn Cat! represents a fascinating example of Family/Comedy/Crime cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Robert Stevenson brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1965, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of That Darn Cat! took approximately 17 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 112 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 152 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 41 unique compositions.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The screenplay went through 12 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1965, when this film was released:
- The Vietnam War was becoming increasingly controversial.
- The space race between the USSR and USA was at its height.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While That Darn Cat! shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike 4 Kids Walk Into a Bank, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, That Darn Cat! subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like High Heels and Low Lifes and My Lucky Stars explore similar territory, That Darn Cat! stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: December 2, 1965
- Runtime: 1h 52m
- Revenue: $28,062,222
Where to Watch
