The Spider and the Fly (1949)

by Ted Davis

Directed by: Robert Hamer

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

Synopsis: In 1913 pre-WWI France, Fernand Maubert (Eric Portman), rigid and conservative chief of police, is frustrated by his inability to permanently curtail the larcenous activities of master burglar Philippe Lodocq (Guy Rolfe), whose extremely cool reserve may mask deeper emotions. Although they function on opposite sides of the law, both men adhere to a strict code of honor, and fraternize, within prescribed limits, on a regular basis, and are also involved with Madeleine Saincaize (Nadia Gray), a onetime accomplice of Lodocq, who for a brief time diverts Maubert from his duty. Eventually, Maubert catches Lodocq red-handed and the thief is imprisoned at the start of the war, though they join forces in 1916 to steal a list of enemy agents from the German Legation. Although their mission is successful, an unforeseen and ironic consequence is the ruin of a close acquaintance, a result which stuns Maubert and shatters Lodocq.

Cat Burglar (Scene Stealer): As Lodocq attempts to burgle the safe at the German Legation, a curious tuxedo cat nudges open a door to join the fun. Initially mildly startled by the cat’s unexpected entrance, Lodocq quickly settles back to his routine once he realizes that the intruder is just a kitty on his nightly rounds.

The Spider and the Fly - tuxedo cat entering room through door

The Spider and the Fly - tuxedo cat entering room through door animated gif

Moments later, Lodocq hides behind a convenient curtain when a night watchman (Alastair Hunter) investigates the office. Noticing the moving drapes, the watchman steps nearer, but Lodocq is granted a reprieve when the timely cat emerges from behind the curtain, distracting the guard, who then scoots the cat out of the room.