A Stranger is Watching (1982)

by Linda Kay

Directed by: Sean S. Cunningham

Synopsis: After raping and killing a woman in front of her young daughter named Julie (Shawn von Schreiber), a crazed killer (Rip Torn) kidnaps the girl along with news reporter Sharon (Kate Mulgrew), who happens to be dating the girl’s father, imprisoning them beneath Grand Central Station.

Cartoon Cat: In one scene Julie is watching a Tom and Jerry cartoon on television.

A Stranger is Watching - Julie Shawn von Schreiber watching Tom cartoon on television

Kitty Cameo: Early in the film Julie is left home alone. She calls for her pet cat Mindy, saying it is dinner time. In a feeble Spring Loaded Cat moment the tuxedo kitty suddenly appears at the top of the stairs.

A Stranger is Watching - tuxedo cat Mindy at top of stairs
A Stranger is Watching - tuxedo cat Mindy on top of stairs
A Stranger is Watching - tuxedo cat Mindy startling Julie Shawn von Schreiber at top of stairs animated gif

Julie gathers Mindy into her arms and carries her downstairs.

A Stranger is Watching - Julie Shawn von Schreiber holding tuxedo cat Mindy

In the kitchen, Julie sets Mindy down on the floor and pours some milk for herself before pouring some into a bowl for the cat.

A Stranger is Watching - Julie Shawn von Schreiber carrying tuxedo cat Mindy into kitchen

A second Spring Loaded Cat moment occurs when the cat actor is suddenly thrown, or rather “catapulted”, onto the counter. Julie scolds the cat, saying, “Mindy, not on the counter!” before setting the cat down again. Mindy is not seen after this.

A Stranger is Watching - Julie Shawn von Schreiber startled by tuxedo cat Mindy in kitchen
A Stranger is Watching - tuxedo cat Mindy startling Julie Shawn von Schreiber when thrown on kitchen counter animated gif

Final Mewsings: If a Spring Loaded Cat doesn’t at first succeed, try try again!

Many thanks to Kitty L for letting us know about the cat in this film.

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