About 'That Darn Cat'

"That Darn Cat" was released in 1997, and it is a comedy, mystery, crime movie directed by Bob Spiers. The movie tells the story of Patti Randall (Ricci) and her cat D.C., who becomes the unlikely hero when he helps foil a kidnap plot. D.C. stumbles across two of the most inept criminals ever to infest a Disney film, and returns home with a wristwatch on his neck. The watch contains an SOS inscribed on its case back by a kidnapped maid (Kelley). Patti convinces the police to use D.C. to find the maid and catch the kidnappers.

Making / Production

This film was produced by Walt Disney Pictures and released as part of its slate of movies for families and younger audiences. The film is an adaptation of the book "Undercover Cat" by The Gordons, and was written for the screen by Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski. Its colourful cinematography and suburban setting make it a quintessential '90s Disney film.

Actors

• Christina Ricci as "Patti Randall" - Ricci was perfect in the role of a curious teenager who helps unravel the crime, delivering a believable and winning performance.
• Doug E. Doug as "Agent Zeke Kelso" - Doug added a good dose of humour to the film playing an FBI agent who has to follow a cat around town.
• Dean Jones as "Mr. Flint" - Jones, a Disney stalwart, played a grumpy old man with his usual charisma.
• Peter Boyle as "Pa" - Boyle gave an unwinding performance as an incompetent kidnapper.
• Elvia Allman as "Old Lady McCracken" - Allman added colour and comedy as a nosy neighbour.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The movie is a remake of Disney's own "That Darn Cat!" from 1965.
• Christina Ricci had admitted that she accepted the role because she had always wanted to work with a cat.
• The movie was filmed in Edgefield, South Carolina.
• The sequences with the cat were overseen by the American Humane Association, ensuring no animals were harmed during the production.

Quotes

• Patti Randall: "My life is so boring, it can't get any worse."
• Agent Zeke Kelso: "Does anyone else know about this cat?"
• Mr. Flint: "Allergies, Agents can't be allergic."

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's light-hearted tone is strengthened by Richard Kendall Gibbs' lively score.
• Shawn Colvin's cheerful song, "Two Little Feet," is featured in the credits.