The Catman of Paris (1946)

User Rating:

5.5/10   

Director:

Lesley Selander

Writer:

Sherman L. Lowe (writer)

Release Date:

20 April 1946 (USA)

Genre:

Horror | Mystery

Tagline:

BEWARE! A MONSTER IS LOOSE! (original ad - all caps)

Plot:

Are mysterious killings in Paris of 1896 the work of man or monster?

Plot Keywords:

Paris | Supernatural | Murder | Paris France | City Name In Title

Cast

Carl Esmond	...	Charles Regnier
Lenore Aubert	...	Marie Audet
Adele Mara	...	Marguerite Duval
Douglass Dumbrille	...	Henry Borchard
Gerald Mohr	...	Inspector Severen
Fritz Feld	...	Prefect of Police
Francis Pierlot	...	Paul Audet
Georges Renavent	...	Guillard
Francis McDonald	...	Devereaux
Maurice Cass	...	Paul de Roche
Alphonse Martell	...	Maurice Cocaignac
Paul Marion	...	Jules
John Dehner	...	Georges
Anthony Caruso	...	Raoul
Carl Neubert	...	Phillippe

Runtime:

65 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound System)

Certification:

USA:Unrated

Company:

Republic Pictures (I)

Intriguing period horror film

In late 19th Century a writer returns to Paris to learn that his acclaimed novel may be censored by the government since it seems to contain proceeds from a secret trial. At this time someone connected with that trial is killed by what seems to be a catman. The writer, who has memory lapses, is suspected, especially when his fiancée is also a victim, but his mentor and the daughter of his publisher with whom he is falling in love strive to protect him.

Although not a classic like Cat People, it is of the 1940's genre of horror films involving supernatural transformations, films that aspired to be atmospheric and subtle, avoiding the use of already worn-out clichés of the '30's horror films and generally not employing established horror-picture stars. Catman was slickly produced (for a B-minus film), but being done by Republic Studios it not surprisingly featured many elements of Western films (can-can girls, a saloon brawl, a carriage chase). --- The cast is excellent. It's a treat to see suave Austrian Carl Esmond in a leading role, while Slovenian actress Lenore Aubert, in perhaps her most engaging role, is well showcased here. Also, Adele Mara is a knockout, and always reliable Douglas Dumbrille is particularly good.

It is, of course, a minor film and will not please those, easily bored, who prefer their horror blood drenched with a thrill a second, or those who prefer only vintage films with major stars. But it a somewhat novel twist on the classic horror film and this reviewer has enjoyably viewed it several times.