To the Ends of Time (1996)

Directed by: Markus Rothkranz

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

Synopsis: Made for television fantasy about a kingdom which is threatened with a destructive time machine.

Cat Burglars (Scene Stealers): King Francis (Joss Ackland) asks his scientist Aeschylus (Michael Silverback) to come up with a way to end all wars. As Aeschylus is toiling in his laboratory with his helpers, a black cat jumps onto the work table.

To the Ends of Time - black cat on table

The cat is being used by the evil Karnissa (Sarah Douglas) who wants to steal power for herself. She can see what the cat is seeing by using a bowl to look through the cat’s eyes.

To the Ends of Time - black cat on table in laboratory

The cat strolls across the tables, spying on everything Aeschylus and his men are doing.

To the Ends of Time - black cat on table by Aeschylus Michael Silverback

To the Ends of Time - black cat spying on Aeschylus Michael Silverback animated gif

At the end of the scene the cat rubs against Aeschylus’ leg. What isn’t clear is if the cat belongs to Aeschylus and Karnissa is just using the animal or if the cat belongs to Karnissa, in which case why would Aeschylus allow the animal into his laboratory? Either way, this cat is not seen again after this.

To the Ends of Time - black cat at feet of Aeschylus

Later Princess Stephanie (Kristin Sweet) is in her room, playing with her pets. A small longhair kitten is suffering the humiliation of the Princess fitting the animal with tiny hats.

To the Ends of Time - close up of longhair kitten

To the Ends of Time - longhair kitten being fitted with tiny hat by Princess Stephanie

To the Ends of Time - longhair kitten in lap of Princess Stephanie Kristin Sweet

To the Ends of Time - longhair kitten being fitted with tiny hat by Princess Stephanie Kristin Sweet

To the Ends of Time - longhair kitten being fitted with tiny hat by Princess Stephanie Kristin Sweet animated gif

There are actually several kittens in the room (along with many other animals) which are seen when Young James (Glenn Walker Harris Jr.) brings her some food.

To the Ends of Time - longhair kittens on floor in front of Princess Stephanie Kristin Sweet

To the Ends of Time - longhair kittens on floor as James Glenn Walker Harris Jr. enters

As James excuses himself, he removes a friendly squirrel from his shoulder and appears to drop it to the ground. Only when the camera cuts to the boys’ feet it is two kittens which he drops onto the back of a puppy!