Hard Times (1975)

Hard Times poster

Columbia Pictures Corporation
Starring:
 Charles Bronson, James Coburn
Directed by: Walter Hill

Cat Out of the Bag Alert!  This review contains some spoilers for this film!

Synopsis: Chaney (Charles Bronson) is a Depression-era drifter who turns to street boxing in New Orleans to make some money for himself and his newfound manager Speed (James Coburn).

Cat Burglar (Scene Stealer): In the middle of the film Chaney returns to his low-rent apartment carrying a sweet tabby cat.

Hard Times - Chaney Charles Bronson carrying tabby cat down hallway

Hard Times - Chaney Charles Bronson carrying tabby cat

Hard Times - Chaney Charles Bronson carrying tabby cat closer

He unloads his bag of groceries which includes a bottle of milk.

Hard Times - Chaney Charles Bronson holding tabby cat while unloading groceries long shot

Hard Times - Chaney Charles Bronson holding tabby cat while unloading groceries closer

Hard Times - Chaney Charles Bronson holding tabby cat while unloading groceries

The cat jumps down to the floor and Chaney pours some milk into a pan. He then sits on his bed and watches the cat drink.

Hard Times - tabby cat next to pan of milk on floor

At the end of the film Chaney leaves his apartment for the last time. We can hear the cat meowing and can just barely see him or her at the door as Chaney exits (we’re not sure how the cat didn’t get out ahead of him).

Hard Times - Chaney Charles Bronson looking back into apartment with tabby cat at his feet

When Chaney leaves at the end he tells their hired doctor Poe (Strother Martin) that he has a cat back in his apartment and gives him some money to take care of it. Poe and Speed climb into their car and Speed suggests they go to Florida. Poe looks at Speed and says, “Let’s go get the cat.” “Yeah,” Speed sighs.

Final Mewsings: Finally, someone remembered the cat!

Many thanks to Jerry Otwell for recommending this film!


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