MOVIE REVIEW
The Cat and The Canary
Passed -     

Genre: Horror, Comedy, Mystery
Year Released: 1927, 2024 Eureka Video Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 26m
Director(s): Paul Leni
Writer(s): John Willard (from the stage play by,) Robert F. Hill (adaptation,) Alfred A. Cohn (adaptation & scenario,) Walter Anthony (titles,) Edward J. Montagne (story supervision)
Cast: Laura La Plant, Creighton Hale, Forrest Stanley, Flora Finch, Martha Mattox
Where To Watch: available April 23, 2024, in North America and April 22 in the UK; pre-order your copy here www.mvdshop.com or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: When eerie shadows loom large and whispers fill the air in an old mansion, THE CAT AND THE CANARY plunge you into the heart of classic horror. This pivotal piece from the early days of cinema, directed by the talented German filmmaker Paul Leni, combines the eerie aesthetics of German Expressionism with Hollywood's rich narrative style to offer more than just chills—it captures the imagination.

The suspenseful tale of THE CAT AND THE CANARY unfolds in the haunting setting of a New Orleans mansion shrouded in shadows. The plot discovers a trip to this macabre family reunion commemorating two decades after the affluent Cyrus West's passing. Reading West’s will by his attorney reveals that Annabelle (Laura La Plante) is the sole heir, her inheritance hanging by the thread of her sanity. This precarious situation is exacerbated by the breakout of a menacing danger, weaving a tight web of paranoia and dread among those in attendance.

Though Leni’s life and career were tragically cut short in 1929, his influence on film is indelible. Escaping Nazi Germany, Leni brought a fresh, expressionist vision to Hollywood’s horror scene, evident in his handling of the visuals and detail-oriented storytelling. His works showcase a unique blend of horror and dark humor, leaving a lasting imprint on the gothic and horror genres.

Under Leni's direction and the stunning cinematography by Gilbert Warrenton, the mansion breathes with life. Its dark corridors and hidden secrets contribute to an atmosphere ripe with suspense. The clever use of light and shadow plays a critical role in the film, amplifying the eerie ambiance and pushing the film’s heroine to the brink of madness.

THE CAT AND THE CANARY is work that paved the way for future cinematic legends that greats like Orson Welles would later refine. The visual metaphors—the ominous ticking of a pendulum clock and the tight framing of characters—elevate the psychological tension, transforming the setting from mere background to a mirror reflecting the characters’ psychological states. The film sets the stage for the golden age of Universal horror films and establishes a template for blending suspense with gothic elements and humor.

Eureka Entertainment is expanding its reach, and this is a fantastic introduction to US audiences. The UK-based leader in distributing classic and cult films has announced its entry into the North American market through a partnership with MVD Entertainment. This move promises to bring beloved cinema treasures to a broader audience. This expansion, spearheaded by industry veteran Kevin Lambert, marks a significant step in meeting the increasing demand for high-quality, classic cinema releases in North America.

As THE CAT AND THE CANARY prepares for its Blu-ray release, both longtime enthusiasts and newcomers can experience one of the jewels of early American horror cinema in its restored glory. This release honors cinema history and celebrates the artistry and innovation that inspire and terrify audiences, proving that true art never fades; it only grows more formidable with time.

Bonus Materials
Limited edition O-Card slipcase featuring new artwork by Graham Humphreys
1080p HD presentation on Blu-ray from a 4K digital restoration of the original negatives supplied by MoMA
DTS-HD MA 5.1 score by Robert Israel; compiled, synchronized, and edited by Gillian B. Anderson, based on music cue sheets compiled and issued for the original 1927 release
Brand new audio commentary by author Stephen Jones and author/critic Kim Newman
Brand new audio commentary by Kevin Lyons and Jonathan Rigby
Mysteries Mean Dark Corners – a brand new video essay by David Cairns & Fiona Watson
Pamela Hutchinson on The Cat and the Canary – a brand new interview with writer and film critic Pamela Hutchinson
Phuong Le on The Cat and the Canary – a brand new interview with film critic Phuong Le
A Very Eccentric Man & Yeah, a Cat! – extracts from John Willard’s original play
Lucky Strike – Paul Leni gives a full-throated endorsement to the product that got him through filming The Cat and the Canary
A collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film by Richard Combs, Craig Ian Mann, and Imogen Sara Smith

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[photo courtesy of EUREKA VIDEO, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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