The Gordons wrote an excellent screenplay based on their novel, "Undercover Cat", but after viewing the original release print produced by Ron Miller, Disney executives thought it was (1) too short and (2) that it could be improved and have far more box-office power if it was spun out with a large number of extra scenes, featuring a vast array of guest "stars". The Gordons either refused or were not offered this opportunity, so Walt Disney handed the assignment over to his close friend, Bill Walsh, who was also asked to produce, replacing Ron Miller. Little effort was made to disguise the seams. For this and other reasons – too violent, far too drawn out, too much pandering to teenagers – this is not one of Disney's best live-action movies, even though "That Darn Cat!" tries to be all things to all viewers. And anyway, at 116 minutes, it's somewhat too long for the kids. It's also, as said above, far too violent. Yet, on the other hand, it's too nonsensical for adults to take seriously.
Most of the actors overplay their roles. Some, like Bill Demarest, Roddy McDowall and Elsa Lanchester do it all the time. Others like Hayley Mills, Dorothy Provine and Dean Jones do it only half the time. Best performance comes from Neville Brand who makes a really hideous villain, guaranteed to shed a year's growth from any under- twelves (or even sensitive early teenagers) who are unlucky enough to come into contact with this movie. Available on an excellent Disney DVD.
Most of the actors overplay their roles. Some, like Bill Demarest, Roddy McDowall and Elsa Lanchester do it all the time. Others like Hayley Mills, Dorothy Provine and Dean Jones do it only half the time. Best performance comes from Neville Brand who makes a really hideous villain, guaranteed to shed a year's growth from any under- twelves (or even sensitive early teenagers) who are unlucky enough to come into contact with this movie. Available on an excellent Disney DVD.