by Linda Kay

Synopsis: An educational film made with the cooperation of The St. Paul Insurance Companies and the Minneapolis Fire Department. A family fortunately takes their youngest son’s teachings about fire safety seriously which saves their lives when their house goes up in flames.

Cat Burglar (Scene Stealer): At the start of the short film (which is sadly scratched from wear) a black cat is sitting next to a portable space heater. The cat jumps down from the chair and knocks over the heater which sets a nearby newspaper alight.

The family notes the smoke and is able to escape the home but the youngest boy, Steve, tries to go back for his cat. He is stopped by his mother who insists it is not safe and they will get him another cat. Steve suggests just standing near the burning house and calling for his cat but he is wisely not allowed to do this either. Having been taken in by a generous neighbor, the father recounts their rather tedious fire training techniques before the doorbell rings and a fireman enters, carrying the cat.

Steve and his cat are reunited. And no one ever knows that it was the cat which started the fire in the first place!

Final Mewsings: The family should have spent a little more time learning about fire prevention, especially when it comes to cats, newspapers and space heaters!

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