The Cat and the Canary 1939
"A CHILL-AND-CHUCKLE CHASE!...A FORTUNE AT STAKE AND A MONSTER AT LARGE!"
Elliott Nugent's *The Cat and the Canary (1939)* blends dark humor with gothic suspense in a clever comedy-horror-mystery that keeps audiences guessing.
Director: Elliott Nugent
Cast
Bob Hope
Wally Campbell
Paulette Goddard
Joyce Norman
John Beal
Fred Blythe
Douglass Montgomery
Charles Wilder
Gale Sondergaard
Miss Lu
Elizabeth Patterson
Aunt Susan
Nydia Westman
Cicily
George Zucco
Lawyer Crosby
John Wray
Hendricks
George Regas
Indian Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Cat and the Canary (1939) about?
A group of nervous relatives gathers in a spooky New Orleans mansion to hear the will of a deceased millionaire. When a housekeeper's ominous prediction comes true, chaos erupts as secrets, suspicions, and a lurking danger threaten to derail the inheritance—and lives.
Who directed The Cat and the Canary?
Elliott Nugent directed this 1939 gem, balancing its mix of horror, comedy, and mystery with sharp pacing and stylish flair.
Who stars in The Cat and the Canary?
Bob Hope brings his signature humor as Wally Campbell, joined by Paulette Goddard as Joyce Norman, John Beal, Douglass Montgomery, and the chilling Gale Sondergaard.
Is The Cat and the Canary (1939) worth watching?
Absolutely—this 1939 comedy-horror-mystery delivers a fun, fast-paced ride with Bob Hope's comedic timing and just enough gothic atmosphere to satisfy thriller fans. Its clever blend of scares and laughs makes it a timeless pick for classic movie lovers.
How long is The Cat and the Canary?
The Cat and the Canary runs for 73 minutes, perfect for a quick but gripping cinematic escape.
🎥 Trailer
About The Cat and the Canary (1939) — Comedy-Horror Mystery with Bob Hope's Wit
Elliott Nugent's *The Cat and the Canary (1939)* blends dark humor with gothic suspense in a clever comedy-horror-mystery that keeps audiences guessing. Set in a haunting New Orleans mansion a decade after the death of eccentric millionaire Cyrus Norman, the story follows his nervous relatives as they gather for the reading of his will. Tensions escalate when a superstitious housekeeper predicts someone will die by midnight, and a chilling discovery confirms her fears—just as Joyce Norman, the sole heir, finds herself in the crosshairs. With Bob Hope's signature wit and Paulette Goddard's determined charm at the forefront, this classic thriller balances scares with laughs while exploring themes of greed, deception, and family secrets in a shadowy, atmospheric estate.
The film's 73-minute runtime flies by as a sinister lawyer, quirky relatives, and a lurking menace weave a web of intrigue, all culminating in a race against time to uncover the truth before the clock strikes twelve. Nugent's direction infuses the story with a playful yet eerie tone, making *The Cat and the Canary* a standout in the genre—equal parts chilling and charming.
