Universal Pictures
Starring: John Wayne, Katharine Hepburn, Tommy Lee
Directed by: Stuart Millar

Synopsis: Marshall Rooster Cogburn (John Wayne) isn’t sure which is more dangerous: the load of nitro glycerin and the outlaws who stole it or the fiery Eula Goodnight (Katharine Hepburn), the preacher’s daughter who ends up riding with him on his journey.

Cinema Cat: While we can’t confirm the appearance, we believe Orangey (or one of the many cats working as Orangey) returned for this sequel to True Grit as General Sterling Price.  After Cogburn has been fired by Judge Parker (John McIntire) he is seen sitting with his friend Chen Lee (Tommy Lee).  We hear a cat meow and Rooster pours some beer into a small bowl which prompts General Sterling to jump up on the table.  Rooster notes that even the General doesn’t like the beer.

Judge Parker then shows up to ask Rooster to do another job.  The Judge sits down at the table beside the cat.

Rooster is stubborn and lies down on his bed as the Judge makes him offers.  In the background General Sterling Price can be seen stealing the scene by sticking his face in the judge’s hat.

As the Judge gets up to leave he steps right on the cat’s tail (the shot cuts away before he actually steps down on the tail).

General Sterling Price lets out a yowl.  The Judge looks surprised and then scoffs, “Drunken cat!”

Final Mewsings: If you had to live with Rooster Cogburn you might drink, too!

Relevant Links:

To discuss this film and other cats in movies and on television, join us on
Facebook and Twitter.