Original Air Date: March 12, 1954

Starring: Orangey

Directed by: Al Lewis

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

Synopsis: Walter (Richard Crenna) sends Mr. Conklin (Gale Gordon) on a wild goose chase as a prank but the caper ends up involving everyone else.

Cat Burglar (Scene Stealer): The opening scene finds Miss Brooks (Eve Arden) coming to breakfast with Angela (Jesslyn Fax). Their discussion turns to the cat Minerva when Miss Brooks complains that she bounced into her room and kept her from having a good night’s sleep. As she starts to form a threat against the cat, Angela stops her and says Minerva is right behind the kitchen door and is sensitive. We hear Minerva in her classic radio voice meow. Angela says, “See? She heard us mentioning her name.”

Miss Brooks admits Minerva is bright but says Angela is attributing an intelligence to the cat which she doesn’t possess. Angela is certain that Minerva recognizes her name. To prove her point, Miss Brooks calls out, “Charlie! Hi, Charlie!” Minerva meows in response. “You see, Minerva doesn’t even know if she’s a boy or a girl,” Miss Brooks concludes. “Why should she? She’s only two years old!” Angela counters.

As the discussion continues Angela realizes Minerva will be left alone during the day. She spells out Minerva’s name and the cat meows offscreen. Miss Brooks says she will take Minerva over to the Conklin’s for Harriet to catsit. After this Walter shows up for some food. Miss Brooks starts to leave when Angela reminds her of Minerva. Walking to the kitchen door, Miss Brooks calls out an odd name but the cat doesn’t respond. “Isn’t that cute?” Angela says to Walter, “She won’t budge unless you call her by her name.” “I know,” Miss Brooks sighs, “Let’s go, Clyde.” Minerva immediately appears with a meow and Miss Brooks picks her up and carries her outside.

At the Conklins, Miss Brooks enters and says she brought the cat over for Harriet (Gloria McMillan) to watch.

Harriet is thrilled and says she will take good care of Minerva.

Mr. Conklin tells his daughter to “take the beast into the kitchen” and Harriet says she will get Minerva a nice bowl of milk. “Well, don’t give her too much, Harriet, or you’ll have to burp her,” Miss Brooks warns.

Minerva was played regularly by one of the Orangey team of cat actors.

Final Mewsings: Cats don’t care what you call them as long as you don’t call them late for dinner!

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