The Cat and the Canary – 1977 | 98 mins | Horror, Thriller, Comedy | Colour

Plot Synopsis

One of several film adaptations of John Willard’s 1922 stage play, most notably in 1939 with Bob Hope and Paulette Goddard, although most present the scenario for dark comedy this one plays it straight. The enjoyably cheesy story directed by chic sex auteur Radley Metzger contains all the gasps and chuckles of the classic ‘old dark house’ mystery – a creepy mansion, will readings, rainy nights, and a murderous madman. Honor Blackman, Michael Callan, Olivia Hussey, Edward Fox, Wendy Hiller, Carol Lynley and Wilfrid Hyde-White are among those trying to dodge the anonymous killer.

Set in 1934, friends and relatives of dead millionaire Cyrus West (Wilfrid Hyde-White) gather at the remote Glencliff Manor for the reading of his will. A taped message from the deceased expresses his loathing of his family, and how he has played one final trick on them – the conditions of who inherits his fortune are designed to have them at each other’s throats. Thrown into the mix is Dr Hendricks (Edward Fox), who warns the gathered relatives that a cat-like homicidal maniac is on the loose after escaping from a nearby sanatorium and that they should lock all door and windows and remain in the manor until morning. Annabelle West (Carol Lynley) is declared the old man’s chief benefactors but it seems some of the other family members may be prepared to commit murder to guarantee they get the money.