Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.0

The Cat Creeps Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf May 2, 2023

1946’s “The Cat Creeps” is credited as one of the last releases from the grand horror cycle from Universal Pictures, who made a fortune trying to frighten audiences with monsters and murder. As with any production dangling at the end of a trend, “The Cat Creeps” doesn’t have the benefit of time and money, with the “B” picture looking to slap together a short mystery for the masses, with genre elements muted at best. Director Erle C. Kenton (“The Ghost of Frankenstein,” “House of Frankenstein”) looks to keep things on the move, investing in snappy dialogue exchanges and a variety of tones, but as a chiller, this endeavor has no evil presence.

On a private island, Eric Goran is a connected man who may have committed suicide, with the particulars of his death still a mystery. On the case is newspaper reporter Terry (Fred Brady), who’s sent in to investigate word of $200,000 hidden on the property, with caretaker Cora (Vera Lewis) haunted by something in the area. Joined by partner Pidge (Noah Beery, Jr.) Terry tags along on a boat ride to the island, mixing with Walter (Jonathan Hale), who’s involved in the mess, bringing daughter Gay (Lois Collier) into the investigation, and there’s Ken (Paul Kelly), a private detective, who’s careful around Connie (Rose Hobart), and she’s not a fan of a cat that prowls around the house. As Terry hunts for clues, conversations, accusations, and danger emerge, with a shadowy force making sure to keep strangers away from the loot.

“The Cat Creeps” is a fairly difficult film to summarize, made in such a way where storytelling isn’t prioritized. It almost plays like the second episode of a television show, with viewers dumped into the middle of some controversy surrounding the death of Eric Goran and the arrival of a note containing vague information related to the hidden $200,000, inspiring newspaper editors to send Terry into battle to figure out what’s going on. Characters aren’t properly introduced, they’re simply pushed into the frame, creating a great amount of confusion, which doesn’t help develop a cracking mystery involving cash, interested parties, and the strange ways of a cat, with the creature possibly connected in a spiritual sense to the dead.

The Cat Creeps Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.37:1 aspect ratio) presentation is listed as "newly scanned & restored in 2K from its 35mm dupe negative." An obscure title from Universal's history, "The Cat Creeps" does well on this Blu-ray release, offering a compelling level of detail throughout the viewing experience. Skin particulars are satisfactory, and heavy costumes are decently fibrous. House interiors highlight decoration and depth. Blacks are deep, doing well with shadow play and evening events, preserving frame information. Grain is fine and film-like. Source is in good condition, with some mild wear and tear.

The Cat Creeps Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix provides a clear appreciation for dialogue exchanges, with the rat-tat-tat rhythm of the performances preserved. Some age- related spots of damage are present, but nothing severe, with intelligibility secured throughout the listening event. Scoring supports with satisfactory instrumentation.

The Cat Creeps Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features film historians Kevin Lyons and Jonathan Rigby.

• "Feline Frights" (17:18, HD) is an interview with film historian Kim Newman, who goes anywhere and everywhere with production connections, studio history, and movie releases during this conversation, which is ostensibly focused on the use of cats in horror films.

• A Trailer has not been included on this release.

The Cat Creeps Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"The Cat Creeps" isn't fully scripted, with ideas and supporting characters (including island native Kyra, played by Iris Clive) more of a suggestion than a dramatic reality. The idea is to create a low-effort mystery for easy theater filler, and with those demands in mind, the feature does what it can, helped along by a game cast working with tight banter. Excitement and surprises aren't prioritized here, and it's the rare movie that waits until the last possible second to clarify the plot, and even then, the endeavor plays like pages of the screenplay were torn out right before cameras rolled. Universal Horror goes out with a whimper.