The Nutt House – “Pilot”

Original Air Date: September 20, 1989

Directed by: Gary Nelson

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

Synopsis: The Nutt House is a New York hotel which has seen better days. The owner, Mrs. Nutt (Cloris Leachman) calls on her ne’re-do-well grandson Charles (Brian McNamara) to come take over as co-owner of the place to try to override the lousy job by manager Reginald Tarkington (Harvey Korman).

Cat Burglar (Scene Stealer): Charles arrives to meet with his decrepit grandmother in her office. As Mrs. Nutt walks around her desk she is surprised by a black cat which suddenly appears between her legs.

The Nutt House - Pilot - black cat standing between legs

She picks up the cat, which is a stray, and comments on what a good omen it is.

The Nutt House - Pilot - Mrs. Nutt Cloris Leachman holding black cat with Reginald Harvey Korman and Charles Brian McNamara

Mrs. Nutt hands the cat to Reginald and tells him to “Play with the pussy.” Reginald tries to refuse but is left holding the cat.

The Nutt House - Pilot - Reginald Harvey Korman awkwardly holding black cat

Reginald continues to struggle to hold the fidgety feline.

The Nutt House - Pilot - Reginald Harvey Korman awkwardly holding black cat
The Nutt House - Pilot - Reginald Harvey Korman awkwardly holding black cat
The Nutt House - Pilot - Reginald Harvey Korman awkwardly holding black cat

When Mrs. Nutt mentions the mismanagement of the hotel and throws a wary eye at Reginald, the cat turns on Reginald and attacks him. The close up of the cat baring its teeth is a very crazy looking puppet.

The Nutt House - Pilot - Reginald Harvey Korman holding angry black cat puppet
The Nutt House - Pilot - Reginald Harvey Korman awkwardly holding black cat
The Nutt House - Pilot - Reginald Harvey Korman being attack by black cat puppet animated gif
The Nutt House - Pilot - Reginald Harvey Korman falling while holding black cat

Reginald wrestles with the fake cat.

The Nutt House - Pilot - Reginald Harvey Korman wrestling fake black cat

Happily Mrs. Nutt takes the cat from Reginald and gives him a lollipop.

The Nutt House - Pilot - Mrs. Nutt Cloris Leachman taking black cat from Reginald Harvey Korman
The Nutt House - Pilot - Mrs. Nutt Cloris Leachman holding black cat and giving Reginald Harvey Korman a lollipop

Charles tries to refuse the offer to take over the hotel as Mrs. Nutt pets the cat and finally sets her down. The cat is not seen again.

The Nutt House - Pilot - Mrs. Nutt Cloris Leachman carrying black cat to desk with Charles Brian McNamara
The Nutt House - Pilot - Mrs. Nutt Cloris Leachman holding black cat on desk
The Nutt House - Pilot - Mrs. Nutt Cloris Leachman holding black cat on desk

Final Mewsings: People who see black cats as good luck are NOT senile!

Many thank to Erin T. Aardvark for letting us know about the cat in this episode!

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