That Darn Cat! Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A sassy cat wearing a watch leads the FBI on a wild goose chase through suburban streets, confusing boyfriends, irritating neighbors, and ruining an agent’s allergies in the process.

🍿 That Darn Cat!: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Clue Appears

Patti Randall, a teenager living in Santa Monica, California, notices a wristwatch around the neck of her Siamese cat, D.C. (short for “Darn Cat”). Upon closer inspection, she discovers a partial message, ‘HELP,’ scratched on the back of the watch, leading her to believe it’s a clue to a recent bank robbery and kidnapping.

The FBI Gets Involved

Patti contacts the FBI, and Agent Zeke Kelso is assigned to the case. Zeke, unfortunately, is severely allergic to cats. Despite his allergy, he’s tasked with following D.C. to see if the cat leads them to the kidnapped bank teller, Margaret Miller, and the robbers, Dan and Iggy. The FBI sets up surveillance at the Randall house to track the cat’s movements.

Complications and Chaos

Tracking D.C. proves to be challenging, not only because he’s a cat, but also because of Zeke’s allergies. Nosy neighbors, Patti’s surf-obsessed boyfriend, Canoe, and Ingrid’s persistent suitor, Gregory, complicate the investigation. The robbers, meanwhile, struggle with their own issues, including a suspicious landlady.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Patti Randall (Hayley Mills): A resourceful and imaginative teenager who believes her cat has uncovered a kidnapping.
• Zeke Kelso (Dean Jones): An F.B.I. agent, allergic to cats, assigned to track D.C. in a kidnapping case.
• D.C. (Darn Cat) (N/A): A mischievous Siamese cat who unwittingly becomes a key player in a kidnapping investigation.
• Dan (Neville Brand): One of the ruthless bank robbers holding Margaret Miller hostage.
• Iggy (Frank Gorshin): The more eccentric of the two bank robbers, partnered with Dan.
• Margaret Miller (Grayson Hall): The kidnapped bank teller who uses the cat to send a message for help.
• Ingrid Randall (Dorothy Provine): Patti’s older sister, who is initially skeptical but eventually assists in the investigation.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Patti Randall: “D.C.’s trying to tell us something!” – Patti says this repeatedly as she becomes increasingly convinced the cat has found a clue to the kidnapping.
• Zeke Kelso: “I’m allergic to cats!” – Zeke reluctantly admits his allergy after being assigned to tail D.C., complicating his undercover work.
• Wilbur MacDougall: “Good night, old woman, I can’t hear a word you’re saying, but whatever it is, I disagree with you one hundred percent!” – Mr. MacDougall humorously shuts down his nosy wife’s chatter.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $1.1 million
• Domestic Gross: $28,062,222
• Worldwide Gross: $28,062,222

💥 That Darn Cat! Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching ‘That Darn Cat!’ as a kid and being completely captivated! D.C. was the coolest cat ever, and I loved how he always seemed to be one step ahead of everyone. The scene at the drive-in with the cat running amok had me in stitches. I also enjoyed seeing Hayley Mills grow up on the screen! It’s a feel-good movie that brings back so many fond memories.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Families”
  • “Disney movie fans”
  • “Comedy enthusiasts”
  • “Animal lovers”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild peril”
  • “Brief scenes of implied violence (kidnapping)”
  • “Comic mischief”

Professional Reviews

• IMDb: “A lighthearted crime-comedy where a Siamese cat becomes an unlikely hero, leading the FBI to a kidnapped woman. Dean Jones shines as the allergic agent, and Hayley Mills adds youthful charm. A fun caper for the whole family, showcasing Disney’s knack for clean, clever entertainment.
• TV Guide: “A delightful Disney romp, ‘That Darn Cat!’ offers a charming blend of crime and comedy. Hayley Mills and Dean Jones make a great team. This family-friendly adventure, driven by a clever feline, is sure to entertain. However, the plot can be slightly convoluted, leading to a few pacing issues.
• AllMovie: “A smooth blend of suburban sleuthing and Disney charm. The cat’s antics are hilarious, and the human cast, led by Dean Jones and Hayley Mills, adds plenty of laughs. This classic is perfect for family movie night and proves that Disney still knew how to make something wonderful.

Audience Reactions

The cat’s unpredictable antics are hilarious and keep the plot moving.: Viewers praised the movie for being family-friendly and entertaining for all ages.

The stellar cast, including Dean Jones and Hayley Mills, brought charm and humor to their roles.: Audiences loved the light-hearted and silly take on a crime story.

Overall Consensus: A beloved Disney classic, ‘That Darn Cat!’ combines humor, suspense, and memorable characters to create a delightful family-friendly film.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “That Darn Cat! was the first of several Disney films to star Dean Jones, who became a staple of Disney comedies in the 1960s and 70s.”
• “Eighteen Siamese cats were used to play D.C. during filming. William R. Koehler trained the cats for three months.”
• “The movie is based on the novel “Undercover Cat” by The Gordons (husband-and-wife writing team Gordon and Mildred Gordon), who also co-wrote the screenplay with Bill Walsh.”

🖥️ How to Watch That Darn Cat!?

Currently, “That Darn Cat!” (1965) is available for purchase or rental on various platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check these services for current availability, rental, or purchase options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed That Darn Cat!, you might like these similar films:

• The Incredible Journey (1963): Features animals on an adventure; showcases the bond between pets and their owners.
• The Absent-Minded Professor (1961): Another classic Disney comedy from the same era with a whimsical and family-friendly tone.
• Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993): A remake of ‘The Incredible Journey’, offering a modern take on a similar animal adventure theme.
• K-9 (1989): A comedic action film where a cop is partnered with a police dog, creating a buddy-cop dynamic.

🛒 That Darn Cat! Related Products

• That Darn Cat! [Blu-ray]: Enjoy the restored and remastered version of the classic film in high definition. This Blu-ray edition includes bonus features, making it a must-have for fans and collectors.
• Disney Classic Games: Aladdin and The Lion King: This collection features remastered versions of classic Disney games, including favorites like Aladdin and The Lion King. Enjoy enhanced graphics and gameplay in these timeless adventures.
• Siamese Cat Stuffed Animal: A plush, cuddly Siamese cat toy, designed to resemble D.C. from the movie. Made with high-quality materials, this adorable stuffed animal is perfect for kids and collectors alike.
• Walt Disney Treasures: The Adventures of Spin and Marty [DVD]: A must-have for any Disney enthusiast, this DVD set features rare content from the Walt Disney Archives, showcasing the rich history of the studio and its iconic films and TV shows.

🎧 Soundtrack

That Darn Cat! features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “That Darn Cat!” – performed by Bobby Darin
• “Main Title” – performed by Robert F. Brunner
• “Drive-In Sequence” – performed by Robert F. Brunner

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

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