That Darn Cat!

About That Darn Cat!

"That Darn Cat!" is a quirky comedy-adventure film released by Walt Disney Productions in 1965. The film tells the story of a savvy Siamese cat named D.C., who becomes instrumental in solving a mysterious kidnapping. D.C. stumbles upon a clue, a wristwatch with a plea for help engraved on its back, and brings it to his owner, a teenage girl named Patti. Patti, played by Hayley Mills, then calls the FBI to solve the mystery, throwing the small town into chaos.

Making / Production

The film was directed by Robert Stevenson and the screenplay was written by the Gordon brothers, who adapted it from The Undercover Cat, a novel written by "The Gordons", a pseudonym for Gordon and Mildred Gordon. The film was shot on location in Los Angeles and San Gabriel, California and at the Walt Disney Studios.

Actors

• Hayley Mills: Played the role of Patti Randall. She portrays the character with brightness and youthfulness, lending a sense of adventure to the narrative.
• Dean Jones: Played the role of FBI agent Zeke Kelso. He brings a unique interplay of humor and seriousness to this character.
• Dorothy Provine: Played the role of Ingrid Randall. She plays Patti's elder sister and provides a solid anchor to the family dynamics in the film.
• Roddy McDowall: Played the role of Gregory Benson. He convincingly portrays the quirky, slightly nervous neighbor that adds comedy to the story.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The primary cat used in the movie was named "Syn," and eight other felines were used for specific stunts and actions scenes.
• Hayley Mills' singing voice is heard during the opening credits as she sings the theme song.
• "That Darn Cat" was Hayley Mills' last of six films for Disney.

Awards

The movie was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Cinematography in 1966.

Quotes

• "Every human being should have a cat like that, so they could feel superior." - Canoe
• "There's only one way to handle a man! With subtlety and guile... And a brick!" - Patti
• "She's just like her mother, a low boiling point." - Ingrid

Music and Soundtrack

• The film's music was composed by Robert and Richard Sherman, who created an engaging and witty score.
• The title song, "That Darn Cat!", was sung by Bobby Darin.
• The film's soundtrack also includes "Something's Fishy in Lompoc" and "While the City Sleeps," both penned by the Sherman brothers.