The Big Turnaround (1988)

The Big Turnaround DVD

Dove Productions
Starring: Ernest Borgnine, Bryan Cranston
Directed by: Joe Cranston

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

Synopsis: A group of renegades defend a small southwestern town besieged by narcotics-driven crime and a ruthless (and musically inept) crime boss.

Cat Burglar (Scene Stealer): Among the many characters in this confusing and bizarre low-budget exploitation film is a drunken doctor named Jim (Bryan Cranston). In several scenes Jim is seen at his home with a long-haired black cat named Archibald (Archie for short).

The Big Turnaround - Jim Bryan Cranston holding long-haired black cat Archibald in lap long shot

The Big Turnaround - Jim Bryan Cranston holding long-haired black cat Archibald in lap closer

Archie is as much a drunk as Jim and shares Jim’s liquor. When Jim doesn’t give the booze to him quickly enough, Archie growls. According to the American Humane Association’s website, mackerel juice was used in place of actual liquor.

The Big Turnaround - Jim Bryan Cranston pouring drink for long-haired black cat Archibald in lap long shot

The Big Turnaround - long-haired black cat Archibald drinking from tin

In another scene Jim talks to Archie about the girl he loves who doesn’t love him back. Archie’s tail is swishing quite a bit during this scene.

The Big Turnaround - Jim Bryan Cranston sitting with long-haired black cat Archibald outside

Finally Jim and Archibald are seen at home again, this time Archibald is playing chess with Jim, pushing one of the pieces (or rather licking at it and making it move).

The Big Turnaround - long-haired black cat Archibald looking at chess board