The Cat and the Canary (1939)
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81% of users liked it
(326 ratings)
The classic "old dark house" motif is given sterling treatment in this second filmed version of the hit play. Bob Hope's status as a star was assured with his role as Wallie Campbell, the cowardly protector of Joyce Norman (Paulette Goddard), who must spend one night in the eerie… More The classic "old dark house" motif is given sterling treatment in this second filmed version of the hit play. Bob Hope's status as a star was assured with his role as Wallie Campbell, the cowardly protector of Joyce Norman (Paulette Goddard), who must spend one night in the eerie mansion of her late, eccentric, millionaire uncle. If she can make it through the night without losing her mind, Joyce stands to inherit her uncle's entire fortune. Of course, all the other potential heirs now have a motive to drive her insane. The frights are nonstop as hands reach out from nowhere, people disappear between trap doors, the halls echo with terrifying sounds, and secret doorways lead to hidden passageways. Three people are murdered before Wallie solves the mystery and sees Goddard through the night. Hope integrates his wiseacre comedic style into a essentially straight role, with the humor well-placed in the otherwise moody material. Creepy lighting and music also aid director Elliott Nugent in crafting an effective and fun version of one the genre's archetypal stories. ~ Don Kaye, Rovi
- Directed By
- Elliott Nugent
- Genres
- Action & Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Horror, Kids & Family, Mystery & Suspense
Unrated,
- In Theaters
- Nov 10, 1939 Limited
- Studio
- Paramount Pictures
Critic Reviews
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Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
While it's not as stylistically impressive as the 1927 Paul Leni silent, it's probably an all around more successful film.
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Sean Axmaker, Seanax.com
(Bob) Hope and (Paulette) Goddard have marvelous chemistry and Hope is completely amiable, using wisecracks to cover up his discomfort and fear.
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Cast
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Bob Hope
as Wallie Campbell
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Paulette Goddard
as Joyce Norman
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John Beal
as Fred Blythe
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Douglass Montgomery
as Charlie Wilder
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Gale Sondergaard
as Miss Lu
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Elizabeth Patterson
as Aunt Susan
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Nydia Westman
as Cicily
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George Zucco
as Lawyer Crosby
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John Wray
as Hendricks
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George Regas
as Indian Guide
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Chief Thundercloud
as Indian Guide
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Milt Kibbee
as Photographer
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Frank Melton
as Reporter
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Charles Lane
as Reporter
