Web of Evidence (1959)

by Mark Murton

Original Title: Beyond this Place

Directed by: Jack Cardiff

Synopsis: A World War II evacuee, Paul Mathry (Van Johnson), returns to England after twenty years and finds his father has been in prison all this time for a murder for which the man may not be guilty.

Cat Burglar (Scene Stealer): Paul’s investigations lead him to the house where the murder took place. Mr. Prusty (Oliver Johnston), the landlord, agrees to show Paul the room in question, informing him that the space has barely been used since that night and so he has had the electricity cut off. Entering the dark room they are greeted by a cat’s cry, the owner of which Prusty identifies as “Tomkins” as he picks up the hefty tabby and white cat. “It’s the mice, you know,” Prusty explains, “He’s always after them up here. He’s a wonderful mouser. Caught a rat up here once as big as himself!” Mathry offers to hold Tomkins while Prusty lights the lamp.

Web of Evidence - Paul Mathry Van Johnson holding tabby and white cat Tomkins with Mr. Prusty Oliver Johnston
Web of Evidence - Paul Mathry Van Johnson holding tabby and white cat Tomkins in dark

As they talk about the events of the night of the murder Mathry stands holding the cat.

Web of Evidence - Paul Mathry Van Johnson holding tabby and white cat Tomkins

Eventually Mathry sits down, keeping the cat on his lap. Later he stands again as he tries to piece together the information Prusty is giving him.

Web of Evidence - Paul Mathry Van Johnson sitting with tabby and white cat Tomkins
Web of Evidence - Paul Mathry Van Johnson holding tabby and white cat Tomkins
Web of Evidence - Paul Mathry Van Johnson holding tabby and white cat Tomkins
Web of Evidence - Paul Mathry Van Johnson holding tabby and white cat Tomkins

When their conversation is over, Prusty extinguishes the lamp and takes back Tomkins, promising the cat a bowl of milk downstairs.

Web of Evidence - Paul Mathry Van Johnson holding tabby and white cat Tomkins with Mr. Prusty Oliver Johnston
Web of Evidence - Paul Mathry Van Johnson watching tabby and white cat Tomkins carried away by Mr. Prusty Oliver Johnston
Web of Evidence - Van Johnson sitting with tabby and white cat Tomkins promotional picture

Final Mewsings: There’s a web of evidence that the presence of a cat always improves a film.

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