The Egyptian (1954)

The Egyptian DVD

Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation
Starring: Edmund Purdom, Bella Darvi, Victor Mature
Directed by: Michael Curtiz

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

Synopsis: The story of Sinuhe (Edmund Purdom), a physician in ancient Egypt who finds himself swept up in politics, love and opportunity.

Featured Feline: At one point in the film Sinuhe meets Nefer (Bella Darvi), a beauty who ensnares men and robs them of their hearts as well as their possessions. As Sinuhe sits in her home he first sees her. Sitting by her side is a large silver-colored Maine Coon cat (in this first shot the cat is panting, indicating it might be stressed, but the cat seems rather relaxed in the rest of its scenes).

The Egyptian - silver Maine Coon cat panting

As everyone leaves for the evening, Sinuhe thinks Nefer has also left. He then realizes the cat is sitting on a nearby pillow with a gold lead around its neck. Nefer is on the other end of that lead.

The Egyptian - silver Maine Coon cat sitting on pillow

Nefer sits beside the cat as she speaks with Sinuhe.

The Egyptian - silver Maine Coon cat sitting next to Nefer

During their first conversation, Nefer is seen holding the cat throughout. Nefer tries to warn Sinuhe that she is ruthless. She points out that the cat has soft paws but there are sharp claws beneath.

The Egyptian - Nefer holding silver Maine Coon cat

The Egyptian - silver Maine Coon cat in Nefer's arms

Sinuhe does not heed Nefer’s warning and continually gives her everything he owns, placing himself in ruin. The cat is usually sitting somewhere in Nefer’s rooms or being held by Nefer during these scenes.

The Egyptian - silver Maine Coon cat sitting on couch

The cat is also present in the room when Sinuhe’s friend, Horemheb (Victor Mature) comes to call on Nefer in an attempt to break her and Sinuhe up.

The Egyptian - silver Maine Coon cat sitting on bench

When Sinuhe shows up to present Nefer with a gift that will ultimately ruin his life the cat is again a part of the scene. Nefer takes the gift and then still refuses to follow through with her promises.

The Egyptian - Nefer holding silver Maine Coon cat as she rejects Sinuhe

Driven to the breaking point, Sinuhe advances on Nefer with murder in his eyes. Her cat sees him coming and screeches, wriggling out of Nefer’s arms and running away.

The Egyptian - silver Maine Coon cat hissing and scrambling out of Nefer's arms animated gif