RKO Radio Pictures
Starring: Ralph Byrd, Jack Lambert, Tony Barrett
Directed by: John Rawlins

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

Synopsis: The third in a series of films based on Chester Gould’s popular comic strip detective.  Dick Tracy (Ralph Byrd) has to solve a fur robbery and the murder of a night watchman which brings him up against The Claw (Jack Lambert).

Kitty Cameos: The Claw is a simple-minded brute who often uses excessive force when someone crosses him.  But he has a love for cats and so there are several cats around both the junkyard and the back room of the bar where The Claw and his fellow gang members hang out.  Two of the gang are disguising the license plate and signs on the truck they used to steal the furs and the one named Sam (Tony Barrett) then opens the door of the truck.  A black cats darts out from the seat and startles them. Sam screams in anger, throwing down his cigarette.

The two thugs meet with The Claw in the backroom of the bar where Sam is again complaining about the cat which The Claw has on his lap.  The Claw is gently petting the cat with his hook.  “Would you stop playing with that cat so I could talk?” Sam complains.  “Go ahead and talk.  Cat don’t mind,” The Claw retorts.

Sam continues to complain about how The Claw killed the night watchman and The Claw eyes him angrily as he continues to hold the cat.

Later the thugs are preparing to leave the junkyard.  When they push on the wooden door to open it the black cat from before jumps down from the door, scaring them again.

Finally Dick Tracy enters the junkyard and is looking for the wounded Claw.  The Claw is hiding in a railway car and Dick Tracy enters.  Tracy is in danger of being clobbered by The Claw but he looks down and sees a beautiful English Shorthair emerge from the shadows and meow in the direction where The Claw is hiding.

Final Mewsings: Cats have the best intentions but still might give you away.

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