The Cat's Meow (2001)

A Hollywood scandal springs to life in Peter Bogdanovich's lively Cat's Meow. In 1924 the immensely powerful publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst held a yacht party that ended with a gunshot. Between Hearst's influence and that of his glitterati guests (including Louella Parsons and Charlie Chaplin), no satisfying account of what happened ever made it to the public. The Cat's Meow reconstructs one of the more whispered-about possible scenarios and has quite a bit of fun doing so. Cast and crew alike skewer 1920s Hollywood decadence and, by extension, today's. Eddie Izzard is a boldly odd casting choice as Chaplin, but he succeeds, refusing to fall back on Little Tramp mannerisms. There are several other good performances, but best of all is the cool-as-sherbet Joanna Lumley as the deliciously jaded Elinor Glyn. The script is a strong one, never stooping to the excesses of its characters--Bogdanovich's take is far from the most lurid allegations of what happened that weekend. --Ali Davis Amazon.com

 An interesting look at a Hollywood mystery
We'll never know what happened that mysterious weekend, and Bogdanovich gives us one viewpoint as to what happened. The cast is superb, as are the sets and score. For film fans, this is a treat. If you don't agree with the synopsis, that's okay. This is a great tale of what COULD have been. January 22, 2008

 Delightful, fun...'cruise' of a tale
Really enjoyed screening Peter Bogdonovich's 'A Cat's Meow' which was certainly not a disappointment. This inventive story/script that was cleverly based on Hollywood myth/legend of a presumed love affair Charlie Chaplin had with William Randolph Heart's mistress, Marion Davies and had my interest fully. I was happy with the performances - namely Eddie Izzard as the dashing and flamboyant Chaplin - and worthy direction but was hoping there could have been shots other than on the yacht...i.e. at the studio or the castle/ranch; that would have been a real treat. But for the twist they presented, I guess it served it's purpose - hence the title of course. A terrible habit I got into during the film was comparing it similarities to Robert Altman of how uses a numerous characters and intertwining story-lines yet at times can lead to disarray and inconsistencies (i.e. 'Ready to Wear', Shortcuts') while Bogdonovich's surpasses the challenge of an ensemble cast to generate and substantiate both the scene to scene intrigue and well-performed drama as well as focusing of the proposed love triangle. This film would be a delight for Caine/Welles enthusiasts and happy to see Bogdonovich triumph with a great film. December 9, 2007

 Enlightening
If you think OJ invented getting away with it, watch this piece of history. It seems, there have always been a different set of rules for the affluent. September 19, 2007

 Song played during end credits??
Does anyone know the song that's played at the end of the movie during the credits? May 14, 2007

 3 stars cuz it was sorta interesting...
This movie was interesting. But what was up with casting Kirsten Dunst as Marion Davies? Nuh-uh. She is so unlike Davies it's like she's being someone else, some other flapper. But the movie was intersting with nice songs. But there's nothing like the good ol' 20s. I'd rather watch the real Davies in a silent than wallow around in this movie with weird portrayls of past stars, but that's just me, an old soul. February 6, 2007

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