Is That Darn Cat! Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, That Darn Cat! is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Family movies.
It features a runtime of 112 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
That Darn Cat! Review
Last updated: January 10, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1965, That Darn Cat! enters the Family genre with a narrative focused on A young woman suspects foul play when her cat comes home wearing a wristwatch. Under the direction of Robert Stevenson, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Hayley Mills, Dean Jones, Dorothy Provine. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Mastery & Style
From a technical standpoint, That Darn Cat! offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.
Social Impact & Cultural Context
Beyond the narrative, That Darn Cat! resonates with current cultural themes in the Family space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
Where to Watch & Streaming Info
As of January 2026, That Darn Cat! is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US, UK, and India, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release. Don't miss the high-definition experience provided by premium large format (PLF) screenings.
Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown
The plot of That Darn Cat! centers on a unique premise within the Family landscape. A young woman suspects foul play when her cat comes home wearing a wristwatch. Convincing the FBI, though, and catching the bad guys is tougher than she imagined. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1965 cinema will find fairly predictable.
Ending Explained & Sequel Potential
The ending of That Darn Cat! has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a That Darn Cat! sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final Editorial Verdict
Final verdict for That Darn Cat! (1965): with an audience rating of 6.6/10, the reception has been generally positive. It is a must-watch for fans of Family, Comedy, Crime cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
That Darn Cat! Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | $28,062,222 |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Cast of That Darn Cat!
- Hayley Mills – Patti Randall
- Dean Jones – Zeke Kelso
- Dorothy Provine – Ingrid Randall
- Roddy McDowall – Gregory Benson
- Frank Gorshin – Iggy
Top Highlights
Hayley MillsPatti Randall
Dean JonesZeke Kelso
Dorothy ProvineIngrid Randall
Roddy McDowallGregory Benson
Frank GorshinIggy
Neville BrandDan
Elsa LanchesterMrs. MacDougall
William DemarestMr. MacDougall
Richard EasthamSupervisor Newton
Grayson HallMargaret Miller
Parents Guide & Age Rating
That Darn Cat! is rated G. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.6/10, and global collection metrics, That Darn Cat! stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1965 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is That Darn Cat! movie hit or flop?
That Darn Cat! has received mixed reviews with a 6.6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is That Darn Cat! worth watching?
That Darn Cat! is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Family, Comedy, Crime movies, but read reviews first.
What genre is That Darn Cat!?
That Darn Cat! is a Family, Comedy, Crime movie that A young woman suspects foul play when her cat comes home wearing a wristwatch. Convincing the FBI, though, and catching the bad guys is tougher than s...
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Critic Reviews
What time is it Kitty Kat? That Darn Cat! is out of Disney Productions and directed by Robert Stevenson. Collectively written by Bill Walsh and The Gordons (Mildred & Gordon), it stars Hayley Mills, Dean Jones, Dorothy Provine, Roddy McDowall, Neville Brand and Frank Gorshin. Music is by Robert F. Brunner and cinematography by Edward Colman. When DC the Siamese cat is found to have a watch around his neck, one of his owners, Pattii Randall (Mills), alerts the FBI to the possibility it's a clue to a recent kidnapping. Cue much malarkey as humans and cat try to solve the crime whilst staying one step/paw ahead of the criminals... Utterly harmless fluff from the House of the Mouse, That Darn Cat! is basically a live action cartoon. Away from the wonderful cat(s) performance - and the skillful capturing of said cat(s) reactions to situations - there's no great technical genius here. Nothing wrong with that, this is good old fashioned entertainment for the kids to chuckle along with and for the adults to smile at. Yes some of the performances are twee or precious, and the story is silly, but it's honest family fare that's also boosted by Ed Wynn and Elsa Lanchester in secondary support slots. 6.5/10
Funny, probably the most I've laughed at a Disney film so far. 'That Darn Cat!' is an entertaining production. The premise, whilst not incredibly executed, is amusing and very watchable. Cast-wise it's terrific, Hayley Mills and Dean Jones certainly raise everyone else up but all the characters are astutely cast. DC the cat is adorable, too. Mills plays Patti while Jones portrays Kelso. They both work very well together, I enjoyed both performances. Ed Wynn has, like in 'Those Calloways', a good short showing. No others stand out per se, but they all bring little things to their respective roles. I do wish they would've done more with the villains though, given they were nicely cast. What they give is decent, but they definitely could've played a bigger part. The film probably runs 10-15 minutes too long also. You should watch this if you get the opportunity, it makes for fun viewing.