The Long Memory (1953)

The Long Memory DVD

J. Arthur Rank Organisation
Starring:
 John Mills, John Slater
Directed by: Robert Hamer

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

Synopsis: Phillip Davidson (John Mills) has spent 12 years in jail for a murder he did not commit and struggles between his desire for revenge and his chance for love and redemption.

Purr Blurs: In order to clear his name and seek revenge on those who wronged him, Phillip seeks out an ex-boxer named Pewsey (John Slater), one of the men who testified against him.  Pewsey has left his wife (Thora Hird) and is living with another woman when Phillip comes searching for him.  Pewsey’s wife comes to call on Pewsey at his mistress’ home knowing he will be suffering from his annual cold.  The mistress yells at Pewsey to put the cat out but Pewsey’s wife argues that he’s sick and she’s just oiled his chest.  Pewsey finally agrees to put the cat out to keep them quiet and carries a black cat to the door.  As he opens the door to put the cat outside he sees Phillip waiting outside and panics, slamming the door shut.  The cat meows to come back inside but Pewsey bars the door, telling his mistress the cat can’t come back inside.

The Long Memory - black cat being carried to door by Pewsey John Slater

Phillip remains outside, standing across the street and waiting for Pewsey to emerge.  As he waits a cat walks by in front of him.  It is also a black cat but this cat has white paws and a white belly.  Possibly it’s supposed to be the same cat but they’re clearly two different cats.

The Long Memory - black and white cat walking in front of Phillip John Mills

Final Mewsings: Putting the cat out can be hazardous to your health.


Relevant Links:

IMDb logo  tcmlogo  Amazon logo

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


Share this with your cat and movie loving friends!