by Ted Davis
Directed by: George Schaefer
Cat Out of the Bag Alert! This review contains some spoilers for this film!
Synopsis: High-powered successful businesswoman Philippa Tolbert (Diana Rigg), later known as Sister Philippa, then Dame Philippa, attempts to find something to replace the emptiness in her life by leaving worldly cares and possessions behind and joining a convent, the house of Brede. It’s the first step on a life-long journey that presents daunting challenges to Philippa, but she ultimately discovers rewards which give real meaning and worth to her existence in this made-for-TV movie.
Cat Burglars (Scene Stealers): Mr. Bumble, sometimes known as just Bumble, Philippa’s beautiful long-haired seal point Himalayan cat, is first seen eating from his food bowls, turning his head to meow in response to her call. She picks up the cat to give him a cuddle.
Bumble is next shown cleaning himself when Philippa gathers him up for a last goodbye cuddle and chat before carrying him down a flight of stairs to neighbor Mrs. Fraser (Charlotte Mitchell), who is happy to provide a forever home for the charismatic cat.
Years later, Sister Joanna (Judi Bowker), a young novitiate who reminds Philippa of her tragically lost daughter, unveils a couple of barn kittens, a white and grey tabby and a ginger tabby.
Joanna joyfully cuddles the white and grey kitten to her cheek, as Philippa looks on with love and affection.
A brief time later, Philippa shows Joanna a Christmas card from a slightly heavier Mr. Bumble, sent through the kind agency of Mrs. Fraser, signed, “This is how I look now. Happy Christmas, Bumble.”
In the book Philippa’s cat’s name was Griffon.
Final Mewsings: We understand leaving the rat race to find peace but . . . leaving your cat??
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