Requiem for a Heavyweight (1962)

Directed by: Ralph Nelson

Synopsis: Heavyweight boxer Louis ‘Mountain’ Rivera (Anthony Quinn) reaches a point where fighting will mean irreparable damage which leaves his manager in a bind.

Kitty Cameo: Under the opening credits a tabby cat walks across the large corridor of the boxing stadium.

Requiem for a Heavyweight - tabby cat in boxing arena corridor

A security guard stops to pet the cat, who somewhat pulls away from the man.

Requiem for a Heavyweight - tabby cat looking up at security guard in boxing arena corridor

Both cat and guard go on their way as the credits end.

Requiem for a Heavyweight - tabby cat in boxing arena corridor

Later Rivera’s manager Maish Rennick (Jackie Gleason) exits the dressing room to find two of Ma’s henchmen waiting for him. One of them (Michael Conrad) is holding and petting the tabby cat.

Requiem for a Heavyweight - tabby cat being held and petted by thug Michael Conrad in corridor
Requiem for a Heavyweight - tabby cat being held by thug Michael Conrad in corridor with Maish Rennick Jackie Gleason
Requiem for a Heavyweight - tabby cat being held by thug Michael Conrad in corridor as Maish Rennick Jackie Gleason appears animated gif

The man carries the cat as they start to follow Maish. In the next shot, the cat is gone.

Requiem for a Heavyweight - tabby cat being carried by thug Michael Conrad in corridor following Maish Rennick Jackie Gleason
Requiem for a Heavyweight - tabby cat being carried by thug Michael Conrad in corridor following Maish Rennick Jackie Gleason

Final Mewsings: Cats are loyal only to those who treat them well.

Many thanks to Mark Murton for letting us know about the cat in this film!

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