The Cat Creeps (1946) User Reviews

Good mystery comedy is done in by a weak central performance and by being a bit too short to carry its complicated plot.

[dbborroughs · 6/10 · 6 July 2006]

Reporter is assigned to investigate the ravings of a woman who says she can prove that the current DA and senatorial candidate was involved in a "suicide many years before. According to the woman it was murder. Complicating matters is the fact the reporter is boyfriend of the DA's daughter. The reporter, his photographer friend, the girl, the DA and several other people all end up on the island where the "mad" woman lives in a creepy mansion. Murder, mayhem and the search for two hundred thousand dollars ensue.

Well written with some witty dialog, this film falters thanks to Fred Brady as the smart mouthed reporter. Looking like Donald O'Connor, but with little of his charm. While the character as written is an interesting guy, suspicious of everyone and everything, he plays he role so low key as to be almost on the ground. He reads his lines as if he's trying to be in a more serious movie and it upsets the whole tone of the some what tongue in cheek movie since he seems to be in a different movie than everyone else. The film also suffers from being too short at 50 odd minutes for its complicated plot. There are a couple of odd twists that would have made more sense if they had actually set them up instead of spring them on us at the required moment.

Not a bad movie, its actually quite enjoyable, especially if you take it completely on its own terms. However if you're not forgiving you'll end up like me, which is liking the movie but wishing it was better. Worth a bag of popcorn if you can ever catch it as part of an all day marathon of old mysteries.

6 out 10 (should probably be 7 out of 10 but I'm disappointed).

The Cat Creeps

[coltras35 · 5/10 · 10 November 2023]

When a wealthy widow sends a one thousand dollar bill to the local newspaper claiming murder, blackmail, a corrupt politician and $200,000 fortune to be had, it's up to reporter Terry Nichols and photographer Pidge 'Flash' Laurie to figure out the nefarious plot and clear the politician's (who's Terry's soon-to-be father-in-law) name. But they won't be alone. Among the colorful cast of characters are Terry's beautiful fiancée, a lawyer with his feline phobic secretary, a very deceiving private detective, and finally a mysterious woman and her even stranger black cat, which maybe involved with the murders itself!

A black cat, a spooky house, a bunch of characters, one of them a murderer, and people getting bumped off - it's all here in this universal offering, and it's watchable enough. Keeps your attention, plus there's some witty dialogue, however, having said that, the fun is marred by that annoying reporter who is charmless and has that smug superiority- hence his wisecracks came across as insults, plus there were too many of them. There's something wholly unlikeable about him and one wishes he got bumped off fifteen minutes in, and have Noah Beery take over as the lead. Every time he opens his mouth he spoils the atmosphere. Also it could've been more eventful but a longer running time would be needed.

A few tense moments! But watch "Horror Island" instead!

[JohnHowardReid · 4/10 · 17 March 2018]

Director: ERLE C. KENTON. Screenplay allegedly by Edward Dein, Jerry Warner. Allegedly based on an "original story" by Gerald Geraghty. Photography: George Robinson. Film editor: Russell Schoengarth. Art directors: Jack Otterson, Abraham Grossman. Set decorators: Russell A. Gausman and T.F. Offenbecker. Music director: Paul Sawtell. Costumes designed by Vera West. Make-up: Jack P. Pierce. Hair styles: Carmen Dirigo. Sound recording: Bernard B. Brown, William Hedgcock. Associate producer: Will Cowan. Producer: Howard Welsch.

Copyright 11 April 1946 by Universal Pictures Co., Inc. New York opening at the Rialto: 17 May 1946. U.S. release: 17 May 1946. U.K. release through General Film Distributors: 18 August 1947 (sic). Australian release: 21 November 1946. 5,197 feet. 58 minutes.

SYNOPSIS: A reporter believes a long-buried suicide victim was actually murdered. NOTES: Gerald Geraghty's "original story" previously formed the basis of George Waggner's finely tuned, fast-paced "Horror Island" (1941), a much superior movie in every respect.

COMMENT: A pallid, indifferently directed re-make with only one claim to fame-namely, it will certainly spoil your enjoyment of the far more exciting and suspenseful original if you're unlucky enough to sit through this one first. Every department (including acting, script, sets and photography) manages to score lower on any scale of artistry or entertainment. Admittedly, on its own inferior level (solely thanks to its resiliently punchy plot) it still packs a sufficient wallop to raise a few tense moments.

Silly, but swift-moving and atmospheric!

[cinema_universe · 26 January 2003]

This is probably one of the lowest budgeted films on that old "Low-budget-list" that film-buffs mentally keep track of.

It's a spooky-house murder mystery, with some sturdy studio character actors.

The victim dies early in the film, (twice, no less). A strange woman appears to tell the group that's spending the night in this house, that the dead woman's spirit lives on in her cat --a black cat, of course. The strange woman hints that the cat, or rather the spirit in the cat, will reveal the killer.

The story is ludicrous, with dialog to match, but everyone chases one another around the place, and there's enough shootin' and spookin' going on to make this film delightful late-night fare.

Like "The Cat and the Canary", this story takes place in a gloomy old home that can only be reached by boat. Also like "Canary", all the action takes place during the course of one night, with the killer revealed by sunrise. However, the similarity between the two films ends there.

This film is short and it's fast. It's dumb and it's fun.

I enjoy this sort of nonsense, and have watched my copy of "The Cat Creeps" several times over the years.-- Because I love ALL spooky-house B-movie murder-mysteries, anyway, I couldn't bring myself to rate this film any lower than 7.

THE CAT CREEPS (Erle C. Kenton, 1946) *1/2

[Bunuel1976 · 2/10 · 28 April 2006]

This is really bottom-of-the-barrel stuff from Universal and, unbelievable as it may seem, I'm of the opinion that it's even worse than the ultra-maligned SHE-WOLF OF London (1946)!

For one thing, here we get an annoying fast-talking reporter hero (Fred Brady) and a predictable villain (Douglass Dumbrille), whereas fine character actor Paul Kelly is wasted in a thankless role - though Noah Beery Jr. does provide some amusement as a wisecracking photographer. The plot itself is quite confusing (particularly the belated introduction of a foreign-sounding mystic, who's actually no more than a red herring!); besides, it has nothing whatsoever to do with THE CAT CREEPS (1930) - which was actually a remake of THE CAT AND THE CANARY (1927) - but does look forward to John Gilling's minor but obviously superior Hammer outing, THE SHADOW OF THE CAT (1961), which I watched (on the big screen!) only a few months ago while in Hollywood.

The film also proved to be director Kenton's last, and undoubtedly least, horror film; he had previously made some enjoyable programmers for the same studio - THE GHOST OF FRANKENSTEIN (1942), HOUSE OF FRANKENSTEIN (1944) and HOUSE OF Dracula (1945) - and, during the previous decade, helmed one of the more notable outings in the genre, Paramount's ISLAND OF LOST SOULS (1933)!

Conventional but atmospheric low-budget Universal thriller

[drownsoda90 · 7/10 · 21 October 2023]

Set on an island during a stormy night, "The Cat Creeps" focuses on several disparate characters who have convened (for different reasons) at the estate of an elderly woman who inexplicably dies alone in a room with her black cat. A series of twists and turns ensue.

This low-budget and largely forgotten Universal Studios film is a fairly routine offering; it plays as an old-school murder mystery in the mode of something like "The Cat and the Canary", though perhaps less impactful.

The budgetary restrictions show here to some degree, as the film has the look and feel of a B-picture (think RKO's Val Lawton films), though it is considerably atmospheric and well-shot. The film packs a series of twists in its brisk running time, and while not overtly thrilling, it is no less a respectably entertaining curio, and an offbeat (and under-seen) release in Universal's large and legendary catalogue of films. 7/10.

The Cat Sleeps

[utgard14 · 4/10 · 20 April 2020]

You wouldn't know it by first glance but this cheap-looking borefest is one of the final Universal horror movies of the 1940s. It's a remake of the 1930 lost film of the same name, itself a remake of the silent classic The Cat and the Canary which was also remade as a Bob Hope comedy in 1939. So this is a worn-out plot that had been made into movie four times in nineteen years. Five if we count the also-lost Spanish version of the 1930 picture. To make matters worse this particular version stars Frederick Brady (who?) as one of those annoying "I'm a reportah baby" types that were all over movies in the 30s and 40s. He's so annoying I just wanted to reach through the screen and punch him. This is a very tired unimaginative movie that doesn't even benefit from the usual atmosphere Universal horror-thrillers had. You would be forgiven for thinking it was a Poverty Row production. Avoid unless you need to see all versions of this story. I'll stick with the silent one or even the Hope comedy.

What would you do if you felt you were going to be bumped off?

[mark.waltz · 5/10 · 21 October 2016]

A murder victim's soul never resets until the murderer joins it, says the rather odd Iris Clive, a character who appears out of nowhere when wealthy spinster Vera Lewis suddenly dies, possibly a victim of foul play, and possibly through fright. She's attached to a mysterious black cat, who while not Gale Sondergaard in human form, seems to come to life through the mysterious Clive. The greedy family surrounding the wealthy old lady are all the typical archetypes, some seemingly noble yet secretly sinister, others obviously there with ulterior motives who are obvious red herrings. One by one, some of the suspects get bumped off too, and each time, the all knowing cat is there to provide a mystery to its purpose.

Giving a hint of the style of Val Lewis who was known for his visits to the dark places of the mind that were far more detailed than the standard Gothic horror. This isn't as spooky, but it is clever, filled with shadows and metaphors and ingenious ways of dramatizing its story. Lois Collier plays the fragile heroine, with Jonathan Hale (Dagwood's boss) as her father. Rose Hobart provides the spookiest performance as Lewis's companion who is petrified of cats, and Douglas Dumbrille is the most seemingly nefarious. But among this group, any of them could be guilty, and only the creeping cat knows for sure...until the end.

Seen on Pittsburgh's Chiller Theater in 1965

[kevinolzak · 3/10 · 9 January 2014]

1946's "The Cat Creeps," no relation to the lost 1930 remake of "The Cat and the Canary," was truly the last gasp of Universal's Golden Era of horror films, and like its companion feature "She-Wolf of London" was already dated when released. An elderly woman claims that her pet, 'the cat that creeps,' can prove that a 15 year old suicide case was actually murder, with a politician, his daughter, her reporter boyfriend, and the rest show up on Gilligan's Island to solve the mystery (it's that bad). The murder victim is supposed to have hidden 200,000 dollars somewhere, and the creeping cat induces chuckles rather than chills. Clocking in at under an hour, the whole thing just seems endless, a sadly wasted solid cast rushing hither and yon (make that yawn), with Fred Brady quite lacking in the central role that Noah Beery Jr. was far better suited for (he's just the sidekick). Lois Collier, a regular fixture at Universal, made only one additional film for the studio, her screen career over by 1951 (the underused Rose Hobart by 1949). The one character that brings in a little supernatural atmosphere is played by unknown Iris Clive, who totaled only five other features, all Westerns. Pittsburgh's Chiller Theater aired this SHOCK! title an amazing seven times in 13 years, the same number as "She-Wolf," a conspicuous pair of Universal cheats, somehow appropriate for a last gasp lacking even in breath.

THE ONE WE GREW UP WITH ON THE LATE SHOW

[tcchelsey · 9/10 · 8 November 2019]

THE CAT CREEPS over the years has gotten a bum rap that it did not deserve. This was fun stuff, usually on the late show (back in the days of NO cable!) It was also one of the last mystery/horror films to be produced by Universal, on a double bill with SHE WOLF OF LONDON.

No relation to the 1930 thriller (which there do not seem to be any existing prints), still campy fun with a group of suspects slowly being bumped off on a remote island -- with a fortune in cash hidden somewhere in a creepy, old house. Universal also took pride in this production, boasting a terrific cast of well known character actors and directed by one of their best, Erle C. Kenton, who directed Abbott and Costello's earlier films and two FRANKENSTEIN classics. What do you want?

Noah Beery, Jr. Is a hoot, trying to figure everything out (at least he does find the money in the end, without giving too much away), also poker face Douglas Dumbrille as one of the suspects and Jonathan Hale (Mr. Dithers in the BLONDIE series), playing a DA running for the senate, caught in the middle of a suicide which turns out to be murder. Beautiful Lois Collier plays his daughter.

Future film writer Fred Brady stars as the crusading reporter and detective, also look for a very sinsister Paul Kelly (as another gumshoe), and veteran actress Rose Hobart as Dumbrille's devout secretary. Vera Lewis plays Hale's elderly, bedridden cousin who knows something's up --but will she live to tell about it? Do not forget her slinking cat, moseying around the dusty house and cellar.

This was your typical 40s drive-in type movie, not a classic, but a good time killer and neat to see some notable actors do their thing. There's a knock down, drag out fight scene at the end and don't miss Kelly tripping down a flight of stairs onto a pitch fork? Give this a second look, and now restored on dvd (finally) with a cool green and yellow box cover. Why we love these old Universal quickies and the good folks who put them together.

Mee-ouch!

[BA_Harrison · 3/10 · 1 May 2023]

This weak murder mystery B-movie stars Frederick Brady as newshound Terry Nichols, who is assigned to a story concerning his father-in-law-to-be, Walter Elliot (Jonathan Hale), who is presently running for senate. Fifteen years earlier, Elliot was cleared as a suspect in a murder case, but new evidence, uncovered by elderly recluse Cora Williams, has come to light that could ruin his political career. To clear his name once and for all, Walter travels to the island home of Cora, accompanied by his daughter Gay (Lois Collier), Terry and photographer Pidge (Noah Beery Jr.), attorney Tom McGalvey (Douglass Dumbrille) and private detective Ken Grady (Paul Kelly).

Soon after arriving, Cora is murdered, just the first in a series of killings. Terry attempts to uncover the identity of the murderer, with a little help from a black cat that might now be host to the spirit of Cora.

This one uses many of the familiar genre tropes - a creepy old house, mysterious figures lurking in the shadows, and numerous red herrings - but the plot is far too convoluted for its own good (and the very short run time) and it all becomes rather repetitive (characters seem to be forever running upstairs to the same room, so much so that Pidge even comments on it!). Prolific director Erle C. Kenton, who helmed several superior Universal horrors, fails to generate much in the way of suspense or atmosphere, and his unexceptional cast does little to help matters. Oh, and one thing really confused me: the plot involves a hidden stash of $200,000 that everyone is keen to get their hands on, but I am sure that it is said that the $1000 notes were out of circulation, which would surely make the cash worthless.

3/10.

Neat Little "B" Programmer

[wdbasinger · 21 August 2006]

I am a fan of the old Universal, Columbia, Monogram, PRC, etc. supernatural, suspense, and mystery thrillers from the 1930s and 1940s. I was wondering when or if this little "B" ( or "C" ) mystery was going to be on VHS and so I found it via Sinister Cinema.

This little thriller is worth watching to see due to the fact that it is a murder mystery with supernatural overtones. I first saw this at the age of 12 (when I started to become a fan of this genre) and found some scenes hair-raising. I think this is due to some of the acting and the way some of the action occurs, especially when Mrs. Williams talks about the creeping cat. Overall, it is not a bad film to have in one's collection and I recommend for other fans of Universal mystery and suspense.

Total Nincompoopery

[joelbklyn · 2/10 · 30 June 2011]

THE CAT CREEPS is a non-gripping potboiler of a way-below-low-budget whodunit, whose only "suspense" lies in anticipating the next mirthless groan you're likely to emit when wisecracking reporter Noah Beery, Jr. (a poor man's Oscar Levant) delivers -- for the sake of comic relief -- the next in a series of irksome little quips.

One would have to be from another planet not to surmise at the outset who the likely killer is (hint: it's the short, "rodent-faced" one with the mustache (a poor man's Lionel Atwill)), who, more often than not, appears in films as the villain).

There's an admittedly delightful, teeny-weeny surprise at the very end, which -- though it does nothing whatsoever to redeem this dreary, slipshod-produced piece of tripe -- is apt to cause you to shoot up from your seat and applaud wildly the one and only moment where the film manages to offer the least vestige of creativity. I won't spoil this "bombshell" for you, but I will say this: It was far kinder of me to suggest above who the murderer is than to, well...let the (creeping) cat out of the bag (so to speak) in this case.

(Incidentally, the only reason I acquired this Grade "C" film was for the nostalgic (addictive?) need for bringing to further completion my beloved collection of Universal Horror films, which, long ago, as some of you will surely recall, used to air on TV's Shock Theater.)

DATED TIRED...A LAST-LEGS ENTRY FOR UNIVERSAL LEGACY CYCLE,,,UNFULFILLING FUTILE EXERCISE OF MILKING A "SACRED-COW"

[LeonLouisRicci · 5/10 · 13 January 2024]

"Universal" had an Image of "The" Horror-Mystery-Suspense-Supernatural Studio...It's Legacy to This Day.

The Result of Studio-Head Carl Laemmle and a Conscious, Hard-Working and Dedication to the Genre with an Emphasis on Production-Values, a High-Class Style while Dealing and Delivering His "Product", He would Label it "Art", with "Touchy", Sensitive, and Controversial, Edgy (some would say "Low-Brow") Material.

It Became Even More So as"The Movies" Gained an Influence as a Popular, Meaningful Media in America that Could Shape Consciousness, Life-Styles and Thought as, it No Longer could be Doubted, it would be Confirmed, both Commercially and Creatively as the"Art" of the Century".

But Conservatives "Cried & Whined", Protested the "Free Expressionism in Films" and Demanded , then Formed..."The Code"...The Historical Over-Reach and Abuse of Their Power, Now that "They" as Opposed to the "Creators" of the Art-Form Now had that Power to..."Control Men's Minds".

Universal Studios Legacy Established...It's Now 1946 and America has Entered an "Atomic-Age" and the "Old Dark House" seems a Template from Another-Age.

The Iconic "Famous Monsters" and Other Related Iconography that Universal Invented and then Employed in a Series of Movies for a "Never-Ending" Star-Creatures...Dracula, The Frankenstein, The Mummy...The Invisible Man, and The Wolf Man, at this Point in Time are a Legacy of the "Past" and would Finally "Die" and be Buried After "Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein" (1949).

This "Black Cat" Icon with "The Old Dark House" was so Old it had Grown Whiskers.

"Earl C. Kenton", would be Most-Noted for Directing an Undisputed Bona-Fide Masterpiece of Movie-Horror..."The Island of Lost Souls" (1932)...He also Directed for Universal, as Part of that Aforementioned Legacy,,,"The Ghost of Frankenstein" (1942),,,"House of Frankenstein" (1944)...and "House of Dracula" (1945).

He was Assigned to Direct "The Cat Creeps" and it was so Undistinguished, Lame, and way Past its Expiration-Date, and it Sent Earl C. Packing for Television.

This is All-Padding to Safely Say that "The Cat Creeps" is Mostly Forgotten , for Good Reasons...Worth a Watch...But Barely.

Film Creeps

[Michael_Elliott · 28 February 2008]

Cat Creeps, The (1946)

* 1/2 (out of 4)

Poor Universal "B" mystery about a group of greedy folks trying to locate $200,000 at a creepy mansion. A reporter is also along for the ride as bodies start to pile up. Once again, if you've seen one of these "B" mysteries then you've seen them all. We get the same group a characters being led by the same smartass reporter who comes off dumb yet he's able to solve the case each and every time.

As of now Universal hasn't issued this on DVD. If you want to view the film there is an unofficial version floating around from 16mm prints.