In 1942, producer Val Lewton was hired by RKO to make the studio some much-needed money. After suffering a big loss on 1941’s classic-but-costly “Citizen Kane,” RKO was looking to take another hit with Orson Welles’ even less commercial follow-up, “The Magnificent Ambersons.”
So Lewton, a respected producer who helped shepherd “Gone with the Wind” to box office history, was given his marching orders from RKO: Make us a bunch of horror movies that will draw big crowds, like that one Universal released a couple of years ago, “The Wolf Man.” Also, make them for as little money as possible.
Oh, and one more thing: We’ve already thought up a title for your first picture — “Cat People”! Do something scary with that!
The result wasn’t what anyone expected. Instead of the sort of lurid, corny monster movie a title like “Cat People” might inspire, Lewton delivered a smart, subtle drama about a woman fearing intimacy with her husband, and her confused husband’s nervous reaction. Sure, the crux of the plot involved a woman possibly transforming into a panther, but the film itself was like no horror movie ever made, addressing topic like sex and immigration while delivering some impressive scares. And the crowds responded: It was critically acclaimed and has been hailed as a classic ever since. As a bonus, “Cat People” was a huge hit, helping turn around the financial fortunes of RKO.
On this episode of Out of Theaters, Will and Billy debate the merits of “Cat People,” discuss the shadowy direction of Jacques Tourneur and examine Lewton’s spooky legacy. Plus, Will sings the praises of “Dolemite Is My Name” and Billy looks forward to “Doctor Sleep.”
