In 1930, Universal aimed to capitalize on their earlier silent version of THE CAT AND THE CANARY (1927), based on the successful stage play of the same name. Re-titled THE CAT CREEPS, it is considered by some cinema historians to be the first sound horror film. Released just a short time later, DRACULA can certainly be considered the first supernatural sound horror film.
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| One sheet poster. |
Rupert Julian was hired as director and began shooting in April 1930. It was his last film as he returned to Universal after walking off the set of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA in 1925. Not unknown to a number of other studios, Universal elected to film a Spanish-language version after hours as they would do a few months later with DRACULA. Both of these versions starred Lupita Tovar, the reigning queen of Mexican cinema.
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| Antonio Morero and Lupita Tovar. |
Unfortunately, Universal's timing was off and many critics panned the film for its familiarity and well-worn plot. We don't have a lot to go on as both versions have been since lost and there is only so much information available.
After signing (yes, he did sign a contract!) with Universal in early 1929, Jack Pierce applied the makeup for both English and Spanish versions.
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| "The Cat" menaces Helen Twelvetrees. |
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| "El Gato" in the Spanish version. |
Helen Twelvetrees had top billing, often playing the role of the "suffering woman". Her private life was unfortunately similar; married three times, she endured mental and physical abuse from her first husband (Clark Twelvetrees), as well a second failed marriage. She committed suicide in 1958 at the age of 49 after fighting a long struggle with kidney failure.
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| Helen Twelvetrees in 1932 under contract with RKO. |
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| From Filmgoers Annual 1932. |
Never willing to let a film go with the title of "Cat" in it, Universal used THE CAT CREEPS again for a crime/mystery film in 1946.
THE CAT CREEPS Herald:
THE CAT CREEPS Lobby Cards: