by Linda Kay

British Pathé

Synopsis: Newsreel footage shows chimpanzees being trained for commercial work in England, dolphins undergoing training at Marine Land in America and various animal performers at Durov’s Corner in Moscow.

Reality Cats: The Durov Animal Theatre, also known as Grandpa Durov’s Corner, is a long running staple featuring animal performers which have been trained to do entertaining tricks via humane methods. In this segment, we see the animals being put through their paces. Most of the animals have been trained to perform on stage, but the two cats featured in the clip appear only to be trained not eat the rats they share a small enclosure with. This is to illustrate the fairy tale story told by the other animals about living in harmony.

Final Mewsings: Cats may not be the easiest to train, but this trick isn’t exactly taxing the cat performers.

To discuss this newsreel and other cats in movies and on television, join us on Facebook and X.