The Sniper (1952)

The Sniper poster

Columbia Pictures Corporation
Starring: Arthur Franz, Mabel Paige
Directed by: Edward Dmytryk

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

Synopsis: Eddie Miller (Arthur Franz) is a disturbed man whose hatred of women leads him to commit murder via high powered rifle on unsuspecting victims.

Cat Burglar (Scene Stealer): Eddie’s landlady (Mabel Paige) is an elderly woman who is always seen with her black and white long-haired cat named Asa. We first see them when the landlady answers the house phone and carries Asa with her.

The Sniper - landlady Mabel Paige carrying tuxedo cat Asa

As the landlady talks on the phone Asa looks at the camera, apparently curious about all of the equipment close by.

The Sniper - landlady Mabel Paige on phone with tuxedo cat Asa

The landlady calls upstairs for Eddie to let him know his workplace is calling.

The Sniper - landlady Mabel Paige calls up the stairs with tuxedo cat Asa

Later in the film the landlady catches Eddie as he comes in and she tries to make small talk. She explains that she is going to put Asa in the cellar to catch mice. After Eddie leaves she tells Asa that even he has to earn his keep.

The Sniper - landlady Mabel Paige and tuxedo cat Asa talking to Eddie Arthur Franz

A while later Eddie goes into the cellar to burn some incriminating evidence. He is stressed when he sees Asa is staring at him.

The Sniper - tuxedo cat Asa

Asa and the landlady are only seen once again near the end of the film. The landlady places Asa on top of a radio as she listens to a report warning the public to be on the lookout for a man with a burned hand.

The Sniper - landlady Mabel Paige puts tuxedo cat Asa on top of radio