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The Cat and the Canary

1939·Movie·73 min·6.9(87)

A CHILL-AND-CHUCKLE CHASE!...A FORTUNE AT STAKE AND A MONSTER AT LARGE!

Ten years after the death of millionaire Cyrus Norman, his will is to be read out to his six relatives, including Joyce Norman and Wally Campbell. Organized by Norman's lawyer, Crosby, the six meet at Norman's eerie New Orleans Gothic mansion. During the reading, the superstitious housekeeper declares that someone will be dead by midnight. Wally fears for Joyce when she is declared the sole inheritor, but all are alarmed when Crosby turns up dead.

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Where to watch The Cat and the Canary in United States

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About The Cat and the Canary

The Cat and the Canary is a 1939 English-language comedy, horror and mystery film directed by Elliott Nugent. The cast is led by Bob Hope, Paulette Goddard, John Beal. It has a runtime of 1h 13m. Viewers rate it 6.9/10 across 100 ratings.

The Cat and the Canary was produced by Paramount Pictures and made in United States of America. It was released on October 27, 1939.

Director
Elliott Nugent
Writers
Walter DeLeon, Lynn Starling
Release date
October 27, 1939
Original language
English
Status
Released
Country
United States of America
Production
Paramount Pictures
#cat#alligator#louisiana#based on play or musical#bayou#eccentric#inheritance#last will and testament#mansion#housekeeper#black cat#bookcase#murder mystery

The Cat and the Canary cast & crew

The Cat and the Canary was directed by Elliott Nugent and written by Walter DeLeon and Lynn Starling.

The cast features Bob Hope as Wally Campbell, Paulette Goddard as Joyce Norman, John Beal as Fred Blythe, Douglass Montgomery as Charles Wilder, Gale Sondergaard as Miss Lu, and Elizabeth Patterson as Aunt Susan.

Behind the camera, the score was composed by Ernst Toch, cinematography is by Charles Lang, and it was produced by Arthur Hornblow Jr..

Is The Cat and the Canary worth watching?

The Cat and the Canary holds an audience score of 6.9/10 from 87 ratings, a solidly received comedy films.

At 1h 13m, it's an easy, time-light watch.

If you enjoy comedy, horror, and mystery, The Cat and the Canary is worth a place on your watchlist.

How and where to watch The Cat and the Canary

The Cat and the Canary isn't currently available on major streaming services in United States. We track availability continuously — add it to your watchlist and we'll keep an eye out.

Streaming rights change country by country and month by month, so the options above reflect United States today — switch your country at the top of the where-to-watch section to see availability elsewhere.

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Cast of The Cat and the Canary

Bob Hope

Bob Hope

Wally Campbell

Paulette Goddard

Paulette Goddard

Joyce Norman

John Beal

John Beal

Fred Blythe

Douglass Montgomery

Douglass Montgomery

Charles Wilder

Gale Sondergaard

Gale Sondergaard

Miss Lu

Elizabeth Patterson

Elizabeth Patterson

Aunt Susan

Nydia Westman

Nydia Westman

Cicily

George Zucco

George Zucco

Lawyer Crosby

John Wray

John Wray

Hendricks

George Regas

George Regas

Indian Guide

Milton Kibbee

Milton Kibbee

Reporter

Charles Lane

Charles Lane

Reporter

The Cat and the Canary — FAQs

Where can I watch The Cat and the Canary in United States?

The Cat and the Canary is not currently available on major streaming services in United States. Availability changes often — check back soon.

What language is The Cat and the Canary in?

The Cat and the Canary is originally in English. Subtitle and dub options vary by streaming service.

How long is The Cat and the Canary?

The Cat and the Canary runs 1 hours 13 minutes (73 minutes).

What is The Cat and the Canary rated?

It holds a 6.9/10 audience score from 87 ratings.

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