by Mark Murton

Also Known As: Prince of Shadows

Directed by: Pilar Miró

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

Synopsis: Retired and aging communist agent Darman (Terence Stamp), who is living comfortably in England, returns to Spain to find and kill a traitor in the organisation. As he prepares for the hit he starts to have doubts as the case stirs up memories of a previous target he subsequently believed to be innocent.

Cat Burglars (Scene Stealers): During his mission Darman cultivates a relationship with beautiful lounge singer and high-class prostitute Rebecca (Patsy Kensit) who is the lover of the man he seeks. She promises to set up a meeting between Darman and her lover and gives him a key to her home. Darmer lets himself into the apartment and walks down the corridor to the sound of a cat mewing incessantly. We see the source of the cries as a tabby cat crosses the room behind him. As Darmer explores, the cat continues to be heard crying off screen. Darmer sits on the bed leafing through a book as he remembers his previous mission in 1945.

The scene switches to 1945 Madrid and we see the younger Darmer talking to his contact Walter (John McEnery) who works undercover as a projectionist at the local cinema. As they talk, Darmer is petting a tabby and white kitten sitting on a piece of equipment in the projection booth.

As the conversation ends the cat jumps down to the floor out of shot.

The scene returns to Rebecca’s apartment with the cat now lying on Darmer’s overcoat on the floor, still crying pitifully.

The noise awakens Darmer and he climbs off the bed and gathers up his coat as the cat makes its way unsteadily down the corridor to the kitchen.

Final Mewsings: Is Rebecca’s poor cat sick or just lonely?

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