Catchfire (1990)

Also Known As: Backtrack

Directed by: Dennis Hopper

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

Synopsis: Artist Anne Benton (Jodie Foster) accidentally witnesses a mob murder which puts her life in danger.

Cat Burglar (Scene Stealer): After the murder, Anne leaves the police station and returns home with her boyfriend Bob (Charlie Sheen). A tortoiseshell and white cat named Frida is waiting for her.

Catchfire - tortoiseshell cat Frida running to meet Anne and Bob at door

Anne feeds Frida some milk in a bowl (even though a box of Tender Vittles is right on top of the refrigerator). Anne pets Frida as she drinks.

Catchfire - Anne Jodie Foster giving tortoiseshell cat Frida some milk in a bowl
Catchfire - Anne Jodie Foster petting tortoiseshell cat Frida while drinking

Later Anne is wandering around the apartment when she walks over to where Frida is eating.

Catchfire - Anne Jodie Foster walking over to tortoiseshell cat Frida while eating

Anne gathers Frida in her arms and drinks a beer as she sits, curled up in a corner behind some drapes. Frida seems to be reaching for the beer at one point.

Catchfire - Anne Jodie Foster sitting with tortoiseshell cat Frida on lap with beer
Catchfire - Anne Jodie Foster sitting with tortoiseshell cat Frida
Catchfire - Anne Jodie Foster sitting in corner with tortoiseshell cat Frida and beer animated gif

Frida hisses as the doorknob turns and two mob killers, Greek (Tony Sirico) and Pinella (John Turturro), enter her home with their guns drawn.

Catchfire - Anne Jodie Foster sitting up with tortoiseshell cat Frida
Catchfire - Anne Jodie Foster sitting with tortoiseshell cat Frida as killers enter her home

They start to go upstairs when Frida makes a noise that attracts their attention.

Catchfire - Anne Jodie Foster sitting with tortoiseshell cat Frida as killer enter her home

Anne cowers in the corner with Frida as the men approach her hiding place.

Catchfire - Anne Jodie Foster cowering in corner with tortoiseshell cat Frida
Catchfire - Anne Jodie Foster cowering in corner with tortoiseshell cat Frida

Suddenly Frida jumps out of Anne’s arms and leaps past the killers with a Poor Cat Screech, scaring them in an anticipated Spring Loaded Cat moment.

Catchfire - Anne Jodie Foster cowering in corner as tortoiseshell cat Frida jumps from her arms
Catchfire - Anne Jodie Foster cowering in corner as tortoiseshell cat Frida jumps from her arms and scares Greek Tony Sirico and Pinella John Turturro animated gif

Frida is not seen again but Anne asks her friend to get the cat and care for her while she is on the run.

Catchfire - Anne Jodie Foster cowering in corner with tortoiseshell cat Frida

Final Mewsings: If your cat is willing to distract killers the least you could do is share your beer with them.

Many thanks to Mark Murton for letting us know about the cat in this film.

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