Gloria (1980)

Directed by: John Cassavetes

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

Synopsis: When a young boy’s family is murdered by the mob, their neighbor Gloria (Gena Rowlands) steps in to protect the child (John Adames).

Cat Burglar (Scene Stealer): The boy, Phil, is sent with Gloria to her apartment right before the murders. When they enter her home, she doesn’t know what to do with the kid. She walks to the window and calls to and picks up her “Big Fella,” an adorable orange and white tabby cat.

Gloria - Gena Rowlands holding orange and white tabby cat

She asks Phil if he likes cats, then unceremoniously dumps the kitty into his arms.

Gloria - Gena Rowlands dropping orange and white tabby cat into Phil's arms

Later Phil is looking at Gloria’s dresser which contains a photo of the cat as well as a cat drawing.

Gloria - picture and drawing of cat on bureau

Eventually Gloria realizes they need to flee and she gathers some items, including the cat.

Gloria - Gena Rowlands carrying orange and white tabby cat from apartment

Quietly they sneak down the corridor, cat in tow.

Gloria - Gena Rowlands carrying orange and white tabby cat down corridor with Phil John Adames

But Phil suddenly runs toward his family’s apartment, crying for his Papi. The cat slips from Gloria’s grasp and saunters down the hall as she chases after Phil.

Gloria - Gena Rowlands running down hallway with orange and white tabby cat walking behind her

When Gloria finally gets hold of Phil she has to hurry him from the building since his cries for Papi are drawing attention. The cat is left behind and not seen again.