Is The Cat o' Nine Tails Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The Cat o' Nine Tails is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies.
It features a runtime of 112 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.

Verdict:The Cat o' Nine Tails is a confirmed HIT based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.
With a rating of 6.7/10, it has delivered a mixed experience for fans of the Horror, Mystery, Thriller genre.
Answer: Yes, The Cat o' Nine Tails is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies.
It features a runtime of 112 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Last updated: January 11, 2026
Released in 1971, The Cat o' Nine Tails enters the Horror genre with a narrative focused on A newsman works with a blind puzzle-solver to uncover a deadly conspiracy linked to a genetic research facility. Under the direction of Dario Argento, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
The film is anchored by performances from James Franciscus, Karl Malden, Catherine Spaak. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
From a technical standpoint, The Cat o' Nine Tails 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.
Beyond the narrative, The Cat o' Nine Tails resonates with current cultural themes in the Horror space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
As of January 2026, The Cat o' Nine Tails 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.
The plot of The Cat o' Nine Tails centers on a unique premise within the Horror landscape. A newsman works with a blind puzzle-solver to uncover a deadly conspiracy linked to a genetic research facility. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1971 cinema will find fairly predictable.
The ending of The Cat o' Nine Tails 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 The Cat o' Nine Tails sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final verdict for The Cat o' Nine Tails (1971): with an audience rating of 6.7/10, the reception has been generally positive. It is a must-watch for fans of Horror, Mystery, Thriller cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $1,000,000 |
| Worldwide Gross | $1,204,739 |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
The estimated production budget for The Cat o' Nine Tails is $1,000,000. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.7/10, and global collection metrics, The Cat o' Nine Tails stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1971 cinematic year.
The Cat o' Nine Tails has received mixed reviews with a 6.7/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
The Cat o' Nine Tails is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Horror, Mystery, Thriller movies, but read reviews first.
The Cat o' Nine Tails is a Horror, Mystery, Thriller movie that A newsman works with a blind puzzle-solver to uncover a deadly conspiracy linked to a genetic research facility....
The Cat o' Nine Tails has received mixed reviews with a 6.7/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
The Cat o' Nine Tails is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Horror, Mystery, Thriller movies, but read reviews first.
The Cat o' Nine Tails is a Horror, Mystery, Thriller movie that A newsman works with a blind puzzle-solver to uncover a deadly conspiracy linked to a genetic research facility....
The Cat o' Nine Tails may not be suitable for all family members as it contains Horror, Mystery, Thriller elements. Parental guidance is recommended.
You can find streaming options and availability for The Cat o' Nine Tails on popular platforms. Check movieMx for the latest updates and reviews.
The Cat o' Nine Tails features a talented cast. Check our "Top Cast" section to see the full list of actors and the characters they play in this film.
The runtime and duration of The Cat o' Nine Tails are available in the movie details section. It's a gripping story that keeps you engaged from start to finish.
Sixth Sense and Nine Avenues. Il gatto a nove code (The Cat O’ Nine Tails) is written and directed by Dario Argento. It stars Karl Malden, James Franciscus, Catherine Spaak, Horst Frank, Aldo Reggiani, Carlo Alighiero and Rada Rassimov. Music is by Ennio Morricone and cinematography by Erico Menczer. Blind puzzle solver Franco Arno (Malden) and newspaper man Carlo Giordani (Franciscus) team up to see if they can solve the mystery of the murders that are terrifying the city. With their own lives becoming increasingly in danger, and the lines of investigation splintered all over the place, the men are drawn to the mysterious Terzi Institute where geneticists are tampering with gene patterns… Argento doesn’t like it and the fans are very much divided about the worth of it on the Argento curriculum vitae, yet The Cat O’ Nine Tails is a delightfully entertaining oddity. The plot is labyrinthine with relish on top, spinning the viewers into the same convoluted investigative maze that Messrs Arno and Giordani find themselves in. In fact, it’s near genius that it rarely makes sense under inspection, yet still there’s a fascinating edge to the story, with its characterisations, sexual kinks and cruel murders, there’s a power to the piece that rewards if you can just run with it, buy into Argento’s Giallo singed world. With Malden turning in a great performance and Franciscus performing to a level nobody thought was in him, the lead characters really come to life. Add to that Morricone’s creepy jazzy-garde fuelled score underlining the skew-whiff nature of the beast, and Menczer’s photography tonally muted, tech credits are at one with the themes ticking away in the narrative, a narrative that has observation, ironically, on vision, sight and minds eye. While there’s a couple of rug-pulls jostling for our attention just to keep things twisty. Then there is the director himself. The Cat O’ Nine Tails finds him restrained compared to the excess of style over substance films that would dominate his oeuvre post release of The Cat. That’s not to say there isn’t style here, there’s plenty as Argento dallies in POV, iris vision, and a nifty trick that gives the blind Arno “sight”, further ensuring that the supposed handicapped character is the key player and potential saviour of all. A number of scenes are bursting at the seams with suspense, with a cemetery/mausoleum sequence top draw, for sure Argento is firmly getting in his stride here. It’s not a gore movie, something which I personally think has led to some of Argento’s fans giving the film the cold shoulder, but it’s the tale (or tails of course) and characterisations that hold it up as being under valued. It’s a Giallo whodunit flecked with sexual stings and no little amount style draped all over it. 7/10
Okay giallo movie from Dario Argento has its moments and fine performances from James Franciscus and Karl Malden, but the end wasn't exactly satisfying. Still some entertaining scenes here and there. **3.5/5**