The Cat's Meow
The Cat's Meow

The Cat's Meow

2001Movie114 minEnglish

Semi-true story of the Hollywood murder that occurred at a star-studded gathering aboard William Randolph Hearst's yacht in 1924.

Read Reviews

Insights

IMDb6.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes77%
Metacritic65/100
Google Users70%
Director: Peter BogdanovichGenres: Drama, History

Plot Summary

In 1924, a lavish yacht party hosted by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst aboard his ship off the coast of San Simeon becomes the setting for a scandalous weekend. Among the guests are Hollywood star Tom Mix, gossip columnist Hedda Hopper, and aspiring actress Marion Davies, Hearst's mistress. Tensions simmer and secrets unravel, culminating in a mysterious death that is quickly hushed up, leaving a dark shadow over the glittering facade of the era's elite.

Critical Reception

The Cat's Meow received generally positive reviews, with critics praising its atmospheric portrayal of a specific historical moment and its strong performances, particularly from Kirsten Dunst. Some found the pacing deliberate, but many appreciated its exploration of fame, desire, and the hidden lives of public figures.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its period detail and atmospheric setting.
  • Kirsten Dunst's performance as Marion Davies was a standout.
  • Some critics found the narrative a bit too slow-paced.

Google audience: Audiences generally appreciated the film's historical setting and the performances, finding it an interesting if somewhat understated drama about Hollywood's early days. Some viewers felt the mystery aspect could have been more pronounced.

Fun Fact

The film is based on a real-life murder mystery that occurred on William Randolph Hearst's yacht in 1924, involving the death of producer Thomas H. Ince.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review