by Ted Davis

Directed by: James Clavell

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

Synopsis: During the disastrous 30 Years War of the 17th century, the cynical and ruthless professional soldier known only as The Captain (Michael Caine) leads his depleted and ragged band of fighters into a hidden valley untouched by the raging plague or the catastrophic depredations caused by the extended conflict. He helps broker a temporary alliance with the villagers whereby his force will winter in the valley, supplied with all the necessities of food, drink and comely concubines, and, in turn, the village will receive protection from outside invasions. From the start, it’s a fragile covenant, requiring only the slightest spark to ignite the barely suppressed violence and hate that festers within both the villagers and soldiers.

Kitty Cameo: Justifiably frightened teacher Vogel (Omar Sharif), whose scholarship is a rare attainment in this benighted age, also finds refuge in the valley, initially sheltering in a large barn-warehouse patrolled by a bicolor tabby cat which surveys its domain from the vantage point of the upper rafters.

Later, Vogel is petting what looks to be the same cat during a talk with stupid, willfully ignorant peasant Hoffman (Arthur O’Connell). The cat is very relaxed during their dialogue, with his eyes closed, and seems to be enjoying Vogel’s pets and scritches.

Final Mewsings: Cats have an instinct for who can be trusted to provide a comfortable lap and abundant pets.

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