The Cat's Meow |  | Director: Peter Bogdanovich
Actors: Kirsten Dunst, Cary Elwes, Edward Herrmann, James Laurenson, Joanna Lumley
Studio: Lions Gate
Category: DVD
List Price: $14.98
Buy New: $3.69
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Seller: inetvideo
Rating:  59 reviews
Sales Rank: 36817
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, DVD, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
Languages: English (Original Language), English (Subtitled), Spanish (Subtitled)
Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Region: 1
Number Of Discs: 1
Running Time: 112 Minutes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 7.1 x 5.4 x 0.6
MPN: LGEDVM8495D
UPC: 031398849520
EAN: 0031398849520
ASIN: B0000AKY3S
Theatrical Release Date: 2001
Release Date: September 9, 2003
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Product Description
Studio: Lions Gate Home Ent. Release Date: 09/09/2003 Run time: 112 minutes Rating: R
Amazon.com
A Hollywood scandal springs to life in Peter Bogdanovich's lively Cat's Meow. In 1924 the immensely powerful publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst held a yacht party that ended with a gunshot. Between Hearst's influence and that of his glitterati guests (including Louella Parsons and Charlie Chaplin), no satisfying account of what happened ever made it to the public. The Cat's Meow reconstructs one of the more whispered-about possible scenarios and has quite a bit of fun doing so. Cast and crew alike skewer 1920s Hollywood decadence and, by extension, today's. Eddie Izzard is a boldly odd casting choice as Chaplin, but he succeeds, refusing to fall back on Little Tramp mannerisms. There are several other good performances, but best of all is the cool-as-sherbet Joanna Lumley as the deliciously jaded Elinor Glyn. The script is a strong one, never stooping to the excesses of its characters--Bogdanovich's take is far from the most lurid allegations of what happened that weekend. --Ali Davis
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Showing reviews 1-5 of 59
 And the Bee's Knees! November 30, 2009
F. S. L'hoir (Irvine, CA)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
In "The Cat's Meow," Peter Bogdonovich performs movie magic, recreating the 1920s, when the screens were silent and the stars' lives were private (or, at least, hushed up). His subtle "color scheme of black and white" for the luxurious costumes and opulent settings contributes to the illusion, as does the "tinny" musical score, which brings us early 20th-century favorites, such as "Charleston," and "Ain't We Got Fun?". Al Jolson's rendition of "Avalon" allows us viewers to suspend our collective disbelief and embark on the ill-starred voyage of the "Oneida" with William Randolph Hearst, Marion Davies, and their elegantly dissolute guests, which (according to this scenario) include a hot-to-trot Charlie Chaplin; sensational novelist, Elinor Glynn; has-been Movie Mogul, William Ince; future poisoned-pen columnist, Louella Parsons, and an assortment of starlets and hangers-on.
As Hearst, Edward Hermann portrays the lonely paranoia of power; and Kirsten Dunst gives us a glimpse of the comedienne that Marion Davies might have been if given the right part. Eddie Izzard depicts Chaplin' self-conscious charm; Joanna Lumley, who narrates the story in the 'voice' of an Elinor Glynn novel, is convincing; and if anyone thinks that Jennifer Tilly's interpretation of Louella Parsons is exaggerated, then they have never heard that redoubtable purveyor of gossip on the radio, as, every week, she literally meowed "Hello to All of You From Hollywood!" Bogdonovich has adroitly directed an ensemble cast in which every character is pitch-perfect [The girls playing the starlets are especially commendable.].
The DVD includes extras that are really worth watching. Students of film will appreciate the "Anatomy of a Scene," which, as the name implies, takes the main scene apart and puts it together again, demonstrating the director and actors at work. The extras include and interesting account of the perils of filming "California" in Greece in November; and a Charlie Chaplin longish "short," which is laugh-out-loud funny!
Part Agatha Christie mystery and part Hollywood thriller, "The Cat's Meow" is a keeper, which I take off the shelf every year and watch again, always discovering some new detail, to my great enjoyment.
The Cat's Meow November 24, 2009
Franz Gruber (Port Ludlow, WA USA)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This is my second favorite movie of all time, and I can't understand why it hasn't had more exposure. To me, the acting, screenplay, and dialogue are fascinating to such a degree that I find something new each time I watch it.
The movie takes place on board William Randolph Hearst's large yacht, which is peopled with Hollywood personalities from the early thirties. Certainly this alone will appeal to nostalgia fans. The surprise really is that the whole thing is done so well, even to the impromptu Charleston dances, the sly drinks on a "dry" ship, and the petty liaisons so typical of the people and times.
Make sure you have a VHS player, because I don't know that it can be bought on disk. If so equipped, then order a second movie, my number one favorite of all:
"Once Upon A Time In The West".
 Interesting Hollywood History November 20, 2009
Cynthia K. Hinckley
This movie was enjoyable to watch. I think it was accurate as a period piece, with the music, costumes, morals and attitudes, etc. I bought it for two reasons: I am curious about William Hearst's life and times and I am a huge fan of Eddie Izzard and he played the role of Charlie Chaplin. He did not disappoint!
An interesting look at a Hollywood mystery January 22, 2008
M. Fisher (Yukon, Oklahoma United States)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
We'll never know what happened that mysterious weekend, and Bogdanovich gives us one viewpoint as to what happened. The cast is superb, as are the sets and score. For film fans, this is a treat. If you don't agree with the synopsis, that's okay. This is a great tale of what COULD have been.
 Delightful, fun...'cruise' of a tale December 9, 2007
Michael Lesch (Los Angeles, CA)
Really enjoyed screening Peter Bogdonovich's 'A Cat's Meow' which was certainly not a disappointment. This inventive story/script that was cleverly based on Hollywood myth/legend of a presumed love affair Charlie Chaplin had with William Randolph Heart's mistress, Marion Davies and had my interest fully. I was happy with the performances - namely Eddie Izzard as the dashing and flamboyant Chaplin - and worthy direction but was hoping there could have been shots other than on the yacht...i.e. at the studio or the castle/ranch; that would have been a real treat. But for the twist they presented, I guess it served it's purpose - hence the title of course. A terrible habit I got into during the film was comparing it similarities to Robert Altman of how uses a numerous characters and intertwining story-lines yet at times can lead to disarray and inconsistencies (i.e. 'Ready to Wear', Shortcuts') while Bogdonovich's surpasses the challenge of an ensemble cast to generate and substantiate both the scene to scene intrigue and well-performed drama as well as focusing of the proposed love triangle. This film would be a delight for Caine/Welles enthusiasts and happy to see Bogdonovich triumph with a great film.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 59
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