by Ted Davis

Directed by: Ted Kotcheff

Cat Out of the Bag Alert! This review contains some spoilers for this film!

Synopsis: Who indeed? The most prominent suspect in both size and motive is gourmet magazine publisher Max Vandeveer (Robert Morley), a self-described masterpiece of form and function who has eaten his way to the top, but who must nevertheless undertake a strict diet if he wants to continue his earthly existence. Emotionally disturbed great chef Auguste Grandvilliers (Jean Rochefort), snubbed in Max’s latest issue of Epicurious, is also a likely suspect. As the murders continue, beautiful Natasha O’Brien (Jacqueline Bisset), unparalleled dessert confectioner, realizes that she is scheduled to be the final victim, and strives to avoid that grisly fate with the active assistance of fast-talking fast-food entrepreneur Robby Ross (George Segal), her loving ex-husband.

Cat Burglar (Scene Stealer): The first of the master chefs to meet his doom is Louis Kohner (Jean-Pierre Cassel), whose specialty is baked pigeon in a pastry crust. Upon entering his grand kitchen, where he intends to cook a magnificent breakfast for Natasha and himself, Louis greets his audible black cat with a pleased hello, and picks up and carries the friendly kitty through the kitchen to set him on an unused oven while he tends to the lighting of the range. (Note: Louis addresses his cat as Mister ________ but so far we have been unable to decipher the actual name of the cat.)

The attentive feline senses danger at the approach of the unknown killer and his eyes glare spectacularly.

As the murderer strikes Louis, the cat snarls in anger and flees the kitchen.

Final Mewsings: If only poor Louis had even half the awareness of his cat.

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