Directed by: Norman Z. McLeod
Cat Out of the Bag Alert! This review contains some spoilers for this film!
Synopsis: Dancer Kitty McNeil (Betty Hutton) reunites with her former dance partner Donald Elwood (Fred Astaire) after she has become a widow with a son. He helps her fight for the right to raise her child despite interference from her late husband’s grandmother (Lucille Watson).
Kitty Cameos: During a rehearsal for a dance number, Donald stands on top of a piano as the band starts to play “Hold That Tiger!” He runs his foot along the keys then stands with his legs apart. Suddenly three cats leap from the instrument and scramble to run out of the frame.
The cats were apparently hidden inside a compartment within the piano that was opened at the right moment. It’s not clear how the cats were encouraged to flee from the piano so quickly, although the fur is certainly flying in their wake! Chances are they didn’t appreciate Astaire stomping in such close proximity while they were confined in such a small space.
Later Donald follows Kitty to her apartment building but doesn’t know which room she lives in. He stands on the street and calls “Kitty!” repeatedly. A little white cat with gray markings looks out from behind a garbage can.
An overhead shot of Donald yelling “Kitty!” shows numerous cats and kittens running towards him. It is clear something has been place near Astaire’s feet which the cats are eating.
Final Mewsings: Cats are either running away from or running to Fred Astaire.
Many thanks to Nick Wale and Mark Murton for letting us know about the cats in this film.
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