Warner Bros.
Starring: Warren William, Alison Skipworth, Maynard Holmes
Directed by: William Dieterle

Synopsis: Based on a story by Dashiell Hammett.  Detective Ted Shane (Warren William) is fast on his feet and quick with the ladies, which holds him in good stead when he is surrounded by a kooky group of characters looking for a jewel-packed horn.

Cat Burglar (Scene Stealer): Throughout the film, Shane is being tailed by a strange man named Kenneth (Maynard Holmes).  Kenneth finally says someone wants to see Shane and takes him to “Auntie”, who is actually noted criminal Madame Barabbas (Alison Skipworth).  When Shane enters the room, Madame Barabbas is holding a tabby kitten.

She continues to hold the kitten throughout much of the scene as she talks to Shane and offers him a drink.

The kitten seems very comfortable in her arms, sometimes shutting its eyes.

Shane offers Madame Barabbas a cigarette.  She takes one and they both light up.  Only a moment later the kitten starts fidgeting in her arms and mewing for the first time, acting as if it wants to get away from the smoke.  Madame Barabbas sets the kitten down.

Later in the scene Kenneth (Maynard Holmes) has picked up the kitten and is petting it.  This is just before Shane jumps on him and starts roughhousing.

Later in the film Madame Barabbas and Kenneth are at home when the phone rings.  Kenneth has the tabby kitten on his lap.

Kenneth reaches for the phone and talks, then tells Madame Barabbas what was said.  The kitten is on the chair beside Kenneth, looking too adorable.

Final Mewsings: Even kittens know that second-hand smoke is bad for them.

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