The Cat and the Canary (1979 film)

The Cat and the Canary is a British mystery horror comedy film directed by Radley Metzger and released in 1978. It is the sixth film adaptation of John Willard's 1922 black comedy play of the same name, following The Cat and the Canary silent version in 1927, The Cat Creeps and the Spanish-language La Voluntad del muerto ("The Will of the Dead Man") both in 1930, the Bob Hope/Paulette Goddard vehicle The Cat and the Canary in 1939, and Katten och kanariefågeln ("The Cat and the Canary"), a 1961 Swedish made-for-TV movie.

The Cat and the Canary
Original film poster
Directed byRadley Metzger
Produced byRichard Gordon
Written byJohn Willard (playwright)
Radley Metzger (screenwriter)
StarringHonor Blackman
Michael Callan
Edward Fox
Wendy Hiller
Olivia Hussey
Wilfred Hyde-White
Beatrix Lehmann
Carol Lynley
Daniel Massey
Peter McEnery
Music bySteven Cagan
CinematographyAlex Thomson
Edited byRoger Harrison
Distributed byGrenadier Films
Release date
November 1978
Running time
98 minutes
CountryUnited Kingdom
LanguageEnglish

Plot

On the 20th anniversary of his death, the remaining relatives of Cyrus West (Wilfred Hyde-White) are called to his mansion to view the filmed reading of his will. Cyrus lets it be known how much he despised and loathed his kin by setting up a dogfight for the fortune and revealing that Annabelle West (Carol Lynley) is to be the sole beneficiary. However, to claim the inheritance, Annabelle must spend the night in the house with the rest of the family and be deemed sane the next morning.

A doctor from the asylum up the road, Dr Hendricks (Edward Fox), arrives and informs the guests that a homicidal maniac has escaped and is hiding out in the area. With a history of insanity in the family, a mansion replete with secret rooms and corridors, and "The Cat" murderer on the loose, the night becomes a tale of gruesome murders, suspense, and, ultimately, revelations.

Cast
ActorRole
Honor BlackmanSusan Sillsby
Michael CallanPaul Jones
Edward FoxDr. Hendricks
Wendy HillerAllison Crosby
Olivia HusseyCicily Young
Beatrix LehmannMrs. Pleasant
Carol LynleyAnnabelle West
Daniel MasseyHarry Blythe
Peter McEneryCharlie Wilder
Wilfrid Hyde-WhiteCyrus West

Notes

According to one film reviewer, Radley Metzger's films, including those made during the Golden Age of Porn (1969–1984), are noted for their "lavish design, witty screenplays, and a penchant for the unusual camera angle".[1] Another reviewer noted that his films were "highly artistic — and often cerebral ... and often featured gorgeous cinematography".[2] Film and audio works by Metzger have been added to the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City.[3][4][5][6]

References
  1. Gallagher, Steve (August 7, 2014). ""This is Softcore": The History of Radley Metzger". Filmmaker Magazine. Retrieved May 23, 2015.
  2. Simpson, Claire (October 2, 2013). "Adults Only: 5 Films By Radley Metzger". WhatCulture.com. Archived from the original on May 24, 2015. Retrieved May 23, 2015.
  3. Rist, Ray C. (January 4, 1974). Book - The Pornography Controversy: Changing Moral Standards in American Life. The Pornography Controversy: Changing Moral Standards in American Life. p. 124. ISBN 9781412838467. Retrieved February 29, 2016.
  4. Lehman, Peter (2006). Book - Pornography: Film and Culture. Pornography: Film and Culture. p. 9. ISBN 9780813538716. Retrieved February 29, 2016.
  5. Staff (2016). "Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) - DadaBase Search Results - Radley Metzger". Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). Retrieved February 29, 2016.
  6. Staff (March 4, 2017). "Obituary Of The Righteous - The Porn Of The Fabulous 60s And 70s Loses One Of Its Pioneers And Masters: Radley Metzger - Photographer Of War, The MOMA Presents A Retrospective: His Erotic Films Made History - Video: 'Score', On The Relationships Of Couples Of The 70s, In An Uncensored Version". DagoSpia.com. Retrieved November 12, 2019.


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