| Cat People (1942) |
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| Directed by Jacques Tourneur Written by DeWitt Bodeen Simone Simon Irena Dubrovna Kent Smith Oliver Reed Tom Conway Dr. Louis Judd Jane Randolph Alice Moore Val Lewton was given the title The Cat People and a few bucks to make RKO an exploitable picture.Well it succeeded beyond anybody's wildest dreams.Lewton made a movie that wasn't as "tacky" as what was being churned out by other studios and the film grossed 4 million dollars and made RKO very happy. Oliver Reed meets Irena at the zoo as she tries to sketch the panthers.They wind up spending the day together and Oliver soon falls in love with Irena.However Irena is unable to express her emotions very well as she feels that her sexuality is evil.She believes that she has descended from a race of "panther people".When Oliver takes Irena to a pet shop the entire animal population goes wild in her prescence.This is the first of many "sound as horror" touches that Lewton films would become noted for. In spite of her misgivings Irena marries Oliver.But she is unable to consummate the marriage.Oliver gives her time but grows increasingly frustrated with Irena.He discusses the matter with his co worker/best friend Jane (who is secretly in love with Oliver).She suggests Dr Judd (a noted psychologist) see Irena. Irena grows increasingly bitter towards Jane and eventually begins stalking her (like a panther?).There is the famous "bus" scene that no doubt had the 1943 moviegoers beside themselves in fear.Jane goes for a swim at her hotel and is trapped in the pool by what sounds like a panther.But in the end it is only Irena who leaves Jane's robe behind.Clawed to shreds. Oliver decides to have the marriage annulled and declares his love of Jane to Irena.When Oliver and Jane are working late at the office one night something stalks them.In a panic Oliver holds up a t-square (crucifix) and invokes the name of the Lord.Whatever stalked them flees.Oliver feels that it is Irena. Dr Judd decides to force himself upon Irena either out of lust or to convince her that she is not a panther woman.Oliver and Jane race to the scene but what will they find? Anyone looking for a thrill a minute movie better pass on this one.This is subtle horror.Today's critics may pick this film apart laughing at the "naive" repressed sexuality but this film is from a different era and may have been quite daring for that time.Is Irena really a "panther woman" or it just repressed sexuality? You'll have to watch it and find out. |