A Night of Feline Terror on 35mm

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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Cover Reveal

Hello everyone,

I’m excited to officially share the cover of my new book, Meow! Cats in Horror, Sci-Fi, and Fantasy Movies, and to let you know that the Kindle version is now available for pre-order at 50% off! 🛒🐱

Both paperback and Kindle will be available on February 7, 2025! 

This book has been a long time in the making, and I’m thrilled to reveal this comprehensive guide that celebrates the role of cats in some of the most iconic—and underrated—movies across horror, sci-fi, and fantasy.

About the Book

Meow! is more than just a guide—it’s a treasure trove of feline film history and insights, spanning over 250 movies from 29 countries. From hidden gems to cult classics, it’s a must-have for anyone who loves cats, movies, or better yet, both!

Contributions from 29 writers make this book a true collaborative effort. Their essays bring diverse perspectives and unique insights into the world of feline cinema, exploring themes of mythology, symbolism, and cats as cinematic icons.

Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll find inside:

🐾 Extensive Cat Movie List: An ultimate guide to cat-centric horror, sci-fi, and fantasy films, including short films and TV episodes.

🐾 Best Cat Moments: Uncover iconic cat jumpscares and memorable scenes that have thrilled and terrified audiences alike.

🐾 Behind-the-Scenes Trivia: Learn fascinating stories about the making of these films and how our feline friends found their way into some of the most unforgettable roles in cinema.

🐾 Expert Reviews & Recommendations: Get tips for your next movie night and discover films you may have never heard of before.

Whether you’re a horror buff who loves a good fright, a sci-fi fan curious about cats as cosmic travelers, or a fantasy enthusiast fascinated by mythical felines, Meow! has something for everyone.

Pre-Order Now!

Meow! Cats in Horror, Sci-Fi, and Fantasy Movies is available for Kindle pre-order starting today. Reserve your copy now at 50% off and be among the first to dive into this ultimate guide to feline film magic.

Follow me on Instagram, X, or Facebook (or subscribe to my newsletter) for more updates, including exclusive excerpts, contributor highlights, and behind-the-scenes peeks at how this book came together.

Thank you for your support—and for sharing my love of cats and cinema. I can’t wait for you to hold this book in your hands and explore the world of feline film magic with me!

P.S. Have you ever been startled by a cat scare in a movie or charmed by a magical feline on screen? Share your favorite cat movie moments in the comments—I’d love to hear them!

$25 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway!

Enter this $25 Amazon Gift Card toe celebrate the pre-order release of Meow! For a chance to win, fill out the Rafflecopter below. The giveaway is open worldwide and ends January 25, 2025. Good luck!

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