by Ted Davis
Directed by: Roy William Neill
Cat Out of the Bag Alert! This review contains some spoilers for this film!
Synopsis: Likable buffoon Dr. John Watson (Nigel Bruce) calls on old friend and simply wizard detective Sherlock Holmes (Basil Rathbone) to investigate the mysterious assault on his associate Dr. Bob Sexton (Arthur Margetson) at Musgrave Manor, a home for convalescing soldiers, but the attacks escalate after Holmes arrives on the scene, targeting the brothers Geoffrey (Frederick Worlock) and Phillip (Gavin Muir), the surviving male members of the Musgrave clan.
Cat Burglar (Scene Stealer): After conversing with Dr. Watson, eavesdropping butler Alfred Brunton (Halliwell Hobbes) gathers up his black cat from an armchair on his way out of the library.
His progress is halted when the wounded Dr. Sexton staggers through the door. Brunton apparently drops the cat as he and Watson tend to Sexton, since the cat is not present in the next shot.
Next, the agile cat balances on Brunton’s lap as the foolish butler rocks drunkenly in his chair.
Once Brunton’s alcoholic exercise is interrupted, the cat drops to the floor. The obedient cat actor actually stays in the scene but is not seen after the camera pans away.
The cat is last shown slumbering on the dozing Watson’s ample stomach, hoping for a more peaceful nap.
His hopes are dashed when the good doctor is startled and wakened by an abrupt clamor, sending the poor cat flying.
Final Mewsings: What’s a cat gotta do to get a decent lap?
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