This Friday, the Cinematek in Brussels has a treat for fans of feline terror. Two cat-forward classics, The Shadow of the Cat (1961) and Sleepwalkers (1992), will grace the big screen in their original 35mm format. I’ll be there in person to introduce both films, sharing behind-the-scenes insights and stories from my latest book, Meow! Cats in Horror, Sci-Fi, and Fantasy Movies.
Intrigued? You can pre-order the Kindle edition now at 50% off, with the full release (including paperback) coming on February 7.
But first, let’s dig into why these two films deserve a spot in your weekend plans.
The Shadow of the Cat: An “Old Dark House” with a Feline Twist
A Hammer film in disguise, The Shadow of the Cat is a quintessential example of the “Old Dark House” sub-genre. Set in a sprawling English manor, it unravels a mystery involving nine ill-fated visitors—and a cat named Tabitha who exacts her unique brand of justice.
This 1961 gem owes much to Edgar Allan Poe’s The Black Cat, borrowing the motif of a feline symbolizing justice and vengeance. Directed by John Gilling (known for Hammer classics like The Reptile and Plague of the Zombies), the film also boasts a rare horror score by renowned composer Mikis Theodorakis, better known for Zorba the Greek and Serpico.
Tabitha the cat steals the show, but fans of vintage horror will also appreciate performances from Hammer queen Barbara Shelley (Dracula, Village of the Damned) and André Morrell (The Hound of the Baskervilles).
Sleepwalkers: Cult Classic Fun with Morphing CGI
From the mind of Stephen King comes Sleepwalkers (1992), a tale of shape-shifting creatures and the hero cat who stands in their way. Unlike most King adaptations, this one was based on an original screenplay, marking the first collaboration between King and director Mick Garris. The duo would go on to work together on The Stand and The Shining miniseries.
Sleepwalkers is unapologetically fun, blending horror, camp, and early ‘90s CGI morphing effects—a technique pioneered just a year earlier in Terminator 2 and Michael Jackson’s Black or White.
The true hero? Clovis, the brave cat who takes on the titular Sleepwalkers to protect Tanya, played by Mädchen Amick. The cat, portrayed mostly by an exceptionally talented feline named Sparks, became an icon in horror circles.
Giveaway!
To celebrate the release of Meow! Cats in Horror, Sci-Fi, and Fantasy Movies, I’m also hosting a $25 Amazon Gift Card giveaway! The giveaway is open worldwide and runs until January 25. Participating is simple—fill out the Rafflecopter below to enter. Good luck!
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