The Demi-Paradise (1943)

by Ted Davis

Also Known As: Adventure for Two

Directed by: Anthony Asquith

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

Synopsis: In 1939, earnest Russian engineer Ivan Kouznetsoff (Laurence Olivier) visits England to manufacture his revolutionary ice-breaker propeller, but his preconceived prejudices against the English people prove to be an insurmountable stumbling block to the successful completion of his mission. He leaves England a disappointed and frustrated man, but returns the next year with a clearer perspective and understanding of the English character, and consequently succeeds where he had previously failed – both in his romance with Ann Tisdall (Penelope Dudley-Ward) and in the production of his propeller, supported by a representative group of British stalwarts (Felix Alymer, George Thorpe, Guy Middleton and Michael Shepley).

Cat Burglar (Scene Stealer): Early in the movie, Kouznetsoff attempts to make friends with elderly spinster Miss Winifred Tinsdall’s cat. But Miss Tisdall (Edie Martin), in horror at the foreigner’s approach, scoops up the cat from its chair to shield it from Kouznetsoff.

The Demi-Paradise - Kouznetsoff Laurence Olivier reaching out to pet white cat with markings on chair
The Demi-Paradise - Kouznetsoff Laurence Olivier reaching out to pet white cat with markings on chair as Miss Tisdall Edie Martin reaches out

The cat supplements Miss Tisdall’s rejection by taking a swipe at the hapless Russian (who has much better luck with the family dog).

The Demi-Paradise - Kouznetsoff Laurence Olivier reaching out to pet white cat with markings on chair as Miss Tisdall Edie Martin picks it up and it scratches him animated gif
The Demi-Paradise - Kouznetsoff Laurence Olivier watching Miss Tisdall Edie Martin carrying white cat with markings from room

Final Mewsings: Cats tend to accept strangers only after they’ve been properly introduced.

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