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Cat People

CAT PEOPLE

1942 • US HMDB

December 5, 1942

A Serbian émigré in Manhattan believes that, because of an ancient curse, any physical intimacy with the man she loves will turn her into a feline predator.

Directors

Jacques Tourneur

Horror Mistero Romance

Cast

Simone Simon

Irena Dubrovna Reed

Kent Smith

Oliver Reed

Tom Conway

Dr. Louis Judd

Jane Randolph

Alice Moore

Jack Holt

The Commodore

Henrietta Burnside

Sue Ellen (uncredited)

Alec Craig

Zookeeper (uncredited)

Eddie Dew

Street Policeman (uncredited)

Elizabeth Dunne

Mrs. Plunkett (uncredited)

Dot Farley

Mrs. Agnew (uncredited)

Mary Halsey

Blondie (uncredited)

Theresa Harris

Minnie (uncredited)

Charles Jordan

Bus Driver (uncredited)

Donald Kerr

Taxi Driver (uncredited)

Connie Leon

Neighbor Calling the Police (uncredited)

Murdock MacQuarrie

Sheep Caretaker (uncredited)

Alan Napier

Doc Carver (uncredited)

John Piffle

Cafe Proprietor (uncredited)

Betty Roadman

Mrs. Hansen (uncredited)

Elizabeth Russell

The Cat Woman (uncredited)

Crew

Production: Val Lewton (Producer)

Screenplay: DeWitt Bodeen (Writer)

Music: Roy Webb (Original Music Composer)

Cinematography: Nicholas Musuraca (Director of Photography)

REVIEWS (1)

Marco Castellini

• December 13, 2025

A young woman refuses any relationship with her husband because, according to the superstitions of her people, she would turn into a murderous beast. An incredulous psychiatrist becomes the victim, who, before dying, manages to kill her. Another classic of black and white signed by one of the most important genre directors of the period. Solid direction without flaws, good actors and screenplay, but the film remains far from the tastes of the modern viewer.

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