Frank and the Wondercat (2015)

Frank and the Wondercat poster

Starring: Frank Furko
Also Starring: Pudgie Wudgie
Directed by: Pablo Alvarez-Mesa, Tony Massil

Synopsis: A look at the life of Frank Furko and his talented pet cat Pudgie Wudgie who became a media sensation in the pre-Internet days.

Featured Feline: Pudgie Wudgie was a rescue cat who Frank realized seemed to tolerate wearing costumes. Once Frank trained him to do tricks the pair gained noteriety after putting on shows at schools in their local Pennsylvania town.

Frankie and the Wondercat - Frank Furko and Pudgie Wudgie orange tabby cat

Frankie and the Wondercat - close up of Pudgie Wudgie orange tabby cat

Frankie and the Wondercat - photo of Frank Furko and Pudgie Wudgie orange tabby cat

Soon Frank and Pudgie Wudgie were performing for schools, nursing homes and on local news shows. Pudgie Wudgie’s fame even became international when he was interviewed alongside Frank for Italian television. He even made appearances on Late Night with David Letterman and The Maury Povich Show.

Frankie and the Wondercat - Frank Furko and Pudgie Wudgie orange tabby cat on Italian television

Frankie and the Wondercat - Pudgie Wudgie orange tabby cat in birthday hat

Frankie and the Wondercat - Pudgie Wudgie orange tabby cat interviewed in snow

Since Pudgie Wudgie passed away some time ago, archival video from the Pudgie Wudgie Museum, run by Frank, is used to show the audience what a special cat he truly was.

Frankie and the Wondercat - profile of Pudgie Wudgie orange tabby cat

Frankie and the Wondercat - Pudgie Wudgie orange tabby cat in costume on Italian TV show

Undoubtedly Pudgie Wudgie was the biggest media cat star since Princess Kitty (who gained the same kind of fame in the 1980’s). This documentary is a loving tribute not only to the cat but to Frank Furko as well.

Frankie and the Wondercat - photo of Pudgie Wudgie orange tabby cat

Kitty Cameos: Near the end of the film Frank and the filmmakers visit a pet adoption center and Frank holds an adorable little ginger tabby kitten.

Frankie and the Wondercat - little orange tabby kitten in cage