The Shock (1923)

Directed by: Lambert Hillyer

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

Synopsis: Wilse Dilling (Lon Chaney) is a handicapped criminal who reforms when he is sent to a quiet town to work undercover and falls in love with the daughter of his boss’ blackmail target.

Cat Burglar (Scene Stealer): As an example of how the small town has changed him, Dilling is propped up on his crutches outside the train station. He has a little wad of paper tied to a string which he is using to play with a tiny calico kitten.

The Shock - calico kitten about to jump at paper on string

Purr Blur: A second kitten can be seen in the background for just a moment as the calico continues to play with the makeshift toy.

The Shock - calico kitten playing with paper on string with second kitten in background

Eventually the kitten, who has been climbing Dilling’s leg, falls off clumsily.

The Shock - calico kitten climbing up leg to play with paper on string
The Shock - calico kitten climbing up leg to play with paper on string
The Shock - calico kitten sitting by leg
The Shock - calico kitten climbing up leg of Wilse Dilling Lon Chaney to play with paper on string animated gif

Later as Dilling is trying to decide what to do about his dilemma, he holds the calico kitten tenderly.

The Shock - Wilse Dilling Lon Chaney holding calico kitten at desk
The Shock - Wilse Dilling Lon Chaney holding calico kitten at desk

After he sets the kitten on the desk, it lies down and remains just visible on the desk for the rest of the scene.

The Shock - Wilse Dilling Lon Chaney setting calico kitten onto desk
The Shock - Wilse Dilling Lon Chaney setting calico kitten onto desk animated gif
The Shock - Wilse Dilling Lon Chaney at desk with calico kitten in corner

Final Mewsings: Kittens only judge people by their abilities, not their disabilities.

Many thanks to Yayoi Neko for letting us know about the kitten in this film!

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