The Cat and the Canary
Ten years after the death of millionaire Cyrus Norman, his will is to be read out to his six relatives, including Joyce Norman and Wally Campbell. Organized by Norman's lawyer, Crosby, the six meet at Norman's eerie New Orleans Gothic mansion. During the reading, the superstitious housekeeper declares that someone will be dead by midnight. Wally fears for Joyce when she is declared the sole inheritor, but all are alarmed when Crosby turns up dead.
Insights
Plot Summary
A group of individuals gathers at a remote mansion for the reading of a will, only to find themselves trapped and targeted by a mysterious killer. As the storm rages outside and the lights flicker, paranoia and suspicion grow among the heirs, each a potential victim or the culprit themselves. The notorious "Cat" killer is on the loose, and no one is safe until the mystery is unraveled.
Critical Reception
The Cat and the Canary (1939) was a commercial success and generally well-received by critics for its blend of humor and suspense. Bob Hope's comedic timing was a highlight, effectively lightening the spooky atmosphere. While not a groundbreaking horror film, it was praised as an entertaining and well-crafted haunted house mystery with a satisfying twist.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for Bob Hope's comedic performance.
- Effective in blending suspense with humor.
- A classic haunted house whodunit.
Google audience: Audience reception information for this classic film is not readily available through Google user reviews.
Fun Fact
This film is a remake of a 1927 silent film of the same name, which was based on the 1922 play by John Willard.
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