"Cat People" was the first of nine horror movies from the RKO "B" unit headed by the legendary Val Lewton. Lewton had worked for the unpredictable Davis O. Selznick in the 1930s. Lewton left Selznick (who wouldn't have) and was offered a chance to head up his own "B" unit at RKO. And the rest as they say is history.
Irena (Simone Simon) and Oliver (Kent Smith) meet at a zoo where she is sketching pictures of a black panther. Oliver is immediately attracted to the mysterious Irena and they marry. When Irena is unable to consummate their marriage, Oliver tries to be understanding. It seems Irena descends from a people whose women turn into black panthers when aroused or angered. As corny as it sounds, the premise actually works under the able direction of Jacques Tourneur and the supervision of Lewton.
Alice Moore (Jane Randolph) works with Oliver and confesses her love for him. Irena meanwhile, has sought out help from psychiatrist Dr. Louis Judd (Tom Conway). Oliver in the meantime has come to love Alice and tells Irena that their marriage is over. Irena becomes jealous of Alice and you know what that means.
In two of the film's classic scenes, Lewton gives us the first of his "shadows in the dark" scares. First, Irena follows Alice through the park at night and suddenly Alice becomes aware that "something" is following her. We never see what we believe to be a panther but only subtle suggestions of same.
The second sequence takes place in the swimming pool at Alice's apartment building. Irena follows Alice to the pool area. Again, Alice senses that something is stalking her and she jumps into the pool for protection and begins to yell for help. The scene ends with Irena turning on the light and asking Alice if she has seen Oliver. Irena leaves and Alice discovers that her bathrobe has been torn to shreds.
A third such scene takes place at Oliver and Alice's office when we clearly see a black panther stalking the pair. Later, Dr. Judd who turns out to be a let ch tries to seduce Irena. She suddenly begins to change and............
Lewton was able to create terror in the minds of his audience through skillful use darkness, shadows and suggestion. We never actually see any monster in the films key fright scenes. It lives in the imaginations of his audience. He did this on a "B" picture budget with a limited shooting schedule.
The performances are excellent. Simon was chosen for the lead because of her cat-like features and turns in the performance of her career. Smith is adequate as the understanding (to a point) husband. Randolph as the "other woman" plays well against the Simon character. Conway does what he can with the limited role of Dr. Judd. Jack Holt puts in a brief appearance as Smith and Randolph's boss.
Followed by "The Curse of the Cat People" (1944).
Irena (Simone Simon) and Oliver (Kent Smith) meet at a zoo where she is sketching pictures of a black panther. Oliver is immediately attracted to the mysterious Irena and they marry. When Irena is unable to consummate their marriage, Oliver tries to be understanding. It seems Irena descends from a people whose women turn into black panthers when aroused or angered. As corny as it sounds, the premise actually works under the able direction of Jacques Tourneur and the supervision of Lewton.
Alice Moore (Jane Randolph) works with Oliver and confesses her love for him. Irena meanwhile, has sought out help from psychiatrist Dr. Louis Judd (Tom Conway). Oliver in the meantime has come to love Alice and tells Irena that their marriage is over. Irena becomes jealous of Alice and you know what that means.
In two of the film's classic scenes, Lewton gives us the first of his "shadows in the dark" scares. First, Irena follows Alice through the park at night and suddenly Alice becomes aware that "something" is following her. We never see what we believe to be a panther but only subtle suggestions of same.
The second sequence takes place in the swimming pool at Alice's apartment building. Irena follows Alice to the pool area. Again, Alice senses that something is stalking her and she jumps into the pool for protection and begins to yell for help. The scene ends with Irena turning on the light and asking Alice if she has seen Oliver. Irena leaves and Alice discovers that her bathrobe has been torn to shreds.
A third such scene takes place at Oliver and Alice's office when we clearly see a black panther stalking the pair. Later, Dr. Judd who turns out to be a let ch tries to seduce Irena. She suddenly begins to change and............
Lewton was able to create terror in the minds of his audience through skillful use darkness, shadows and suggestion. We never actually see any monster in the films key fright scenes. It lives in the imaginations of his audience. He did this on a "B" picture budget with a limited shooting schedule.
The performances are excellent. Simon was chosen for the lead because of her cat-like features and turns in the performance of her career. Smith is adequate as the understanding (to a point) husband. Randolph as the "other woman" plays well against the Simon character. Conway does what he can with the limited role of Dr. Judd. Jack Holt puts in a brief appearance as Smith and Randolph's boss.
Followed by "The Curse of the Cat People" (1944).