I Am Thomasina — A Most Unusual Cat ... They Say I'm Enchanted, and I Am!
1963-12-11
N/A
97 min
Thomasina is the pet cat of Mary McDhui, the daughter of Scottish veterinarian Andrew McDhui. When Thomasina falls ill, McDhui declares that the pet should be put down. But when Mary and her father try to bury the cat, Lori MacGregor (Susan Hampshire), who is said to be a witch, shows up and attempts to steal it.
Cracking little film.
<em>'The Three Lives of Thomasina'</em> is very cute and surprisingly existential. It's well shot and paced, with a terrific adult cast - the child members do cheapen things a little, but not to point where it affects enjoyment.
Patrick McGoohan (Dr. MacDhui) and Susan Hampshire (Lori) are both excellent, they suit their respective roles perfectly. Laurence Naismith, who I enjoyed in 1961's <em>'Greyfriars Bobby: The True Story of a Dog'</em>, appears in a somewhat minor role but still makes it memorable. Elspeth March does a fine job voicing Thomasina, too.
It sends a positive message and actually delves relatively deep into the human/animal side. Not saying it's a masterpiece in that regard or anything, I just didn't expect it would have that sorta spirit.
This was technically released in 1963 ('properly' in 1964), a year that I didn't enjoy in terms of Disney live-action films so this is easily the best in relative to that. If you love cats you'll enjoy this, you should give it a watch regardless.
