The Cat and the Canary (1978 film)
From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia
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"Take a bird— a canary in its cage— put it on a table— then let a cat jump up and walk around the cage, glaring at the canary. What happens? The canary, seeing its enemy so close to it is frightened almost to death. But if it had understanding, it would know that the cat couldn't reach it while it had the protection of the cage. Not knowing this, it suffers a thousand deaths- through fear." --The Cat and the Canary (1922) |
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The Cat and the Canary is a British mystery horror comedy film directed by Radley Metzger released in 1978. It is the fourth film adaptation of John Willard's 1922 black comedy play of the same name, following the versions from 1927, 1930 and 1939.
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
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Honor Blackman | Susan Sillsby |
| Michael Callan | Paul Jones |
| Edward Fox | Dr. Hendricks |
| Wendy Hiller | Allison Crosby |
| Olivia Hussey | Cicily Young |
| Beatrix Lehmann | Mrs. Pleasant |
| Carol Lynley | Annabelle West |
| Daniel Massey | Harry Blythe |
| Peter McEnery | Charlie Wilder |
| Wilfrid Hyde-White | Cyrus West |
