The Cat's Paw is an atypical story of a naive young man, recently returned home from China, who's targeted as a patsy by corrupt politicians- they want him to run in an election against their own slated candidate. A cat's paw describes one who is used as a tool by another; the origins of the phrase can be traced to an ancient fable of a monkey tricking a cat into reaching into a hot fire for some chestnuts. Ezekiel, as the title suggests, falls for the scam initially but, after unexpectedly winning the election, begins cleaning house, using any method possible. To ultimately topple the rotten regime, he employs the help of an old Chinese man; together they fool the politicians into thinking Cobb has beheaded one of their own for his criminal activity. The crooked men immediately surrender themselves for arrest, and Cobb saves the town! Not your typical Lloydian fare; its underlying political statements were puzzling to film critics.
One popular theory claims Lloyd's unconventional theme of political corruption being overthrown by fascist methods is a satirical response to FDR's New Deal, particularly the National Recovery Administration (NRA). The NRA sought to boost the economy by imposing strict economic controls (which were later found to be unconstitutional.) A divergent theory exists that Lloyd was actually in support of Roosevelt's methods. As pointed out in Harold Lloyd: Master Comedian by Jeffrey Vance (Harry N. Abrams), "like Cobb, Roosevelt might be considered a benevolent, albeit undemocratic, leader, suspending the law for the betterment of the people." The theories persist; Lloyd never revealed which way he was leaning.
Although Lloyd was, as always, center-stage, he had a valuable supporting cast. Una Merkel played his love interest. Beginning her career as Lillian Gish's stand-in, Merkel gained notice in 42nd Street (1933) and for an unforgettable performance in Destry Rides Again (1939), in which she gets into a hair-pulling catfight with Marlene Dietrich. Her career culminated with a Best Supporting Actress nod for Summer and Smoke (1961). George Barbier, a priest-in-training-turned-actor, was best remembered for his character performances in The Man Who Came to Dinner (1942) and Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942). Nat Pendleton, a champion-wrestler-turned-actor, gained popularity for his recurring character in eight Dr. Kildare flicks.
The Cat's Paw garnered positive reviews when released, despite acknowledging that it was a severe departure from Lloyd's traditional style. Variety commented, "in all of his past successes, and especially to the kids, Lloyd has always been known and regarded as the screen's speediest comic, a breath-taking laugh-grabber who specialized in keeping 'em on the edge of their seats. In The Cat's Paw the comedy process is in complete reverse. The picture gets its laughs, all right, but it approaches them at a crawl. Audiences weren't ready for such a radical change: the movie performed dismally at the box office, making another first for Lloyd - he had never lost money on his productions before. Today, The Cat's Paw is highly regarded as a courageous and successful display of the breadth of Lloyd's talents, one that showcases a different side to his working-class hero.
Producer: Harold Lloyd
Director: Sam Taylor
Screenplay: Sam Taylor
Based on a story by Clarence Budington Kelland Art Direction: Harry Oliver
Cinematography: Walter Lundin
Editing: Bernard W. Burton
Music: Alfred Newman
Cast: Harold Lloyd (Ezekiel Cobb), Una Merkel (Petunia Pratt), George Barbier (Jake Mayo), Nat Pendleton (Strozzi).
BW-103m.
by Eleanor Quin
