Rogue’s Yarn (1956)

Jul 24, 2022

by Mark Murton

Starring: Khadi

Directed by: Vernon Sewell

Cat Out Of The Bag Alert! This review contains some spoilers for this film.

Synopsis: Encouraged by his mistress, John Marsden (Derek Bond) devises what appears to be the perfect murder plot to dispose of his invalid wife and inherit her money. However, Inspector Walker (Elwyn Brook-Jones) has his doubts and sets out to prove foul play.

Featured Feline: The Marsdens own a beautiful Siamese cat (not named in the film but played by a cat actor named Khadi, so we will refer to her as such in this review). Khadi’s first appearance comes when she is sitting on the lap of the cook (Madoline Thomas) as she and the nurse (Joan Carol) watch TV on the night of the murder.

Rogue's Yarn - Siamese cat Khadi sitting in lap of cook Madoline Thomas with nurse Joan Carol

After the programme, cook carries Khadi to the door to turn on the lights as nurse goes to check on Mrs. Marsden. She even meows her gorgeous Siamese cat meow occasionally during the scene.

Rogue's Yarn - Siamese cat Khadi held by cook Madoline Thomas
Rogue's Yarn - Siamese cat Khadi held by cook Madoline Thomas with nurse Joan Carol
Rogue's Yarn - Siamese cat Khadi held by cook Madoline Thomas

Khadi next appears when the police arrive to question the staff and she is seen on the roof . . .

Rogue's Yarn - Siamese cat Khadi on roof
Rogue's Yarn - Siamese cat Khadi on roof animated gif

. . . before jumping down to run to Sergeant Adams (Hugh Latimer) by the door.

Rogue's Yarn - Siamese cat Khadi jumping down from roof
Rogue's Yarn - Siamese cat Khadi approaching Sergeant Adams Hugh Latimer
Rogue's Yarn - Siamese cat Khadi jumping down from roof and approaching Sergeant Adams Hugh Latimer animated gif

Near the end of the film Kahdi is being held by Sergeant Adams in the Marsden kitchen as he arranges a date with the maid (Barbara Christie). He even gives the cat a little kiss.

Rogue's Yarn - Siamese cat Khadi held by Sergeant Adams Hugh Latimer with maid Barbara Christie
Rogue's Yarn - Siamese cat Khadi kissed by Sergeant Adams Hugh Latimer with maid Barbara Christie
Rogue's Yarn - Siamese cat Khadi held by Sergeant Adams Hugh Latimer with maid Barbara Christie
Rogue's Yarn - Siamese cat Khadi kissed by Sergeant Adams Hugh Latimer with maid Barbara Christie animated gif

As they talk Khadi uncovers a vital clue in cracking the case.

Rogue's Yarn - Siamese cat Khadi held by Sergeant Adams Hugh Latimer
Rogue's Yarn - Siamese cat Khadi licking wall held by Sergeant Adams Hugh Latimer
Rogue's Yarn - Siamese cat Khadi licking wall held by Sergeant Adams Hugh Latimer animated gif

Included in the cast of characters at the end of the film is the credit “‘Khadi’ the Cat by Herself.” Amazingly we can find no information about Khadi, where she came from, who she belonged to and how she was cast in this film.

Rogue's Yarn - Siamese cat Khadi watching Sergeant Adams Hugh Latimer uncover clue
Rogue's Yarn - Siamese cat Khadi watching Sergeant Adams Hugh Latimer uncover clue
Rogue's Yarn - Siamese cat Khadi on table with Sergeant Adams Hugh Latimer and maid Barbara Christie
Rogue's Yarn - Siamese cat Khadi on table with Sergeant Adams Hugh Latimer and maid Barbara Christie
Rogue's Yarn - Siamese cat Khadi on floor with maid Barbara Christie

Purr Blur: A marbled tabby cat is seen briefly sitting on an upturned boat in the boatyard in France where, accompanied by Insp. Lafarge (John Serret), Inspector Walker (Elwyn Brook-Jones) has gone following a lead.

Rogue's Yarn - marbled tabby cat sitting in boat yard near Lafarge John Serret and Inspector Walker Elwyn Brook-Jones

Final Mewsings: Whatever became of Khadi?

Relevant Links:

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