Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)
Starring: Mickey Rooney, Fay Bainter, Virginia Weidler
Directed by: Norman Taurog
Synopsis: The first of a two-film biopic about inventor Thomas Edison. Young Tom Edison (Mickey Rooney) finds himself ostracized for his unconventional approach to learning and constant questioning of the scientific world around him.
Purr Blur: A tabby cat can be seen several times in the Edison’s home but unfortunately has no featured scenes or shots within the film. The cat is first seen in the Edison’s kitchen, eating from a bowl in the corner by the door. The cat scurries from the scene just before the Mr. Edison enters.
The cat is next seen following Mrs. Edison down the stairs to the basement as she brings Tom something to eat.
The scene in which the cat is most prominent is one shortly afterwards when the family is gathered in the living room and mother is playing the piano. Thomas’ little sister Tannie (Virginia Weidler) is lying on the floor reading a book and the cat is sitting in front of her cleaning itself.
After that the cat is just barely in the background in a few of the basement scenes. In one of the more memorable moments the cat’s tail is a complete scene stealer, waving in a slinky fashion behind the featured human co-stars.
Final Mewsings: A cat can steal a scene just using its tail!
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