The Internecine Project (1974)

The Internecine Project poster

MacLean and Company
Starring: James Coburn, Harry Andrews
Directed by: Ken Hughes

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

Synopsis: Professor Robert Elliot (James Coburn), a retired secret agent who is offered a job as a top rank government advisor, comes up with a cunning plan to eliminate those who know about his sordid past.

Cat Cattle Call: One of the people who have worked closely with Professor Elliot is a masseuse named Bert (Harry Andrews). Elliot comes to call on Bert in his home and pets a long-haired white cat outside the door.

The Internecine Project - hand petting long-haired white Angora cat

The Internecine Project - long-haired white Angora cat moving away from Professor Elliot James Coburn at front door

When Bert opens the door, he is also holding a long-haired white cat. As Elliot enters, he pauses to pet this cat as well.

The Internecine Project - long-haired white Angora cat held by Bert Harry Andrews opening door to Professor Elliot James Coburn

The Internecine Project - long-haired white Angora cat held by Bert Harry Andrews being petted by Professor Elliot James Coburn

After entering the home, we see that Bert actually owns many cats, and they are all over his place. To make room for Elliot to sit, Bert pushes a couple of cats off a chair.

The Internecine Project numerous cats in home of Bert Harry Andrews with Professor Elliot James Coburn

The Internecine Project - long-haired white Angora cat held by Bert Harry Andrews with Professor Elliot James Coburn in background

The Internecine Project - long-haired white Angora cat held by Bert Harry Andrews who is pushing other cats aside for Professor Elliot James Coburn

The cats are present through much of the scene in which Elliot asks a favor of Bert. It is clear that Bert is an avid woman-hater.

The Internecine Project - long-haired white Angora cat held by Bert Harry Andrews

The Internecine Project - long-haired white Angora cat on couch behind Bert Harry Andrews

The Internecine Project - several cats on table with Bert Harry Andrews and Professor Elliot James Coburn

Later Bert is shown receiving instructions from Elliot. An orange and white cat is eating on the table beside him with one of the long haired white cats in the background.

The Internecine Project - long-haired orange and white tabby cat on table beside Bert Harry Andrews with white Angora cat in background