The Cat and the Canary (1979 film)


The Cat and the Canary is a British mystery horror comedy film directed by Radley Metzger and released in 1978. It is the sixth film adaptation of John Willard's 1922 black comedy play of the same name, following The Cat and the Canary silent version in 1927, The Cat Creeps and the Spanish-language La Voluntad del muerto both in 1930, the Bob Hope/Paulette Goddard vehicle The Cat and the Canary in 1939, and Katten och kanariefågeln, a 1961 Swedish made-for-TV movie.

Plot

On the 20th anniversary of his death, the remaining relatives of Cyrus West are called to his mansion to view the filmed reading of his will. Cyrus lets it be known how much he despised and loathed his kin by setting up a dogfight for the fortune and revealing that Annabelle West is to be the sole beneficiary. However, to claim the inheritance, Annabelle must spend the night in the house with the rest of the family and be deemed sane the next morning.
A doctor from the asylum up the road, Dr Hendricks, arrives and informs the guests that a homicidal maniac has escaped and is hiding out in the area. With a history of insanity in the family, a mansion replete with secret rooms and corridors, and "The Cat" murderer on the loose, the night becomes a tale of gruesome murders, suspense, and, ultimately, revelations.

Cast