Watch The Cat and the Fiddle
- Passed
- 1934
- 1 hr 28 min
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6.4 (455)
The 1934 romantic musical comedy, The Cat and the Fiddle, stars Ramon Novarro as Victor Florescu and Jeanette MacDonald as Shirley Sheridan, two aspiring musicians who fall in love in Paris. The film opens with Victor singing "She Didn't Say Yes" in a music shop, where he is looking to sell his new song to prominent producer Jules Daudet (Frank Morgan).
Following his rejection, Victor moves into a shabby apartment building and meets his new neighbor, Shirley. She is preparing for her audition at the Paris Conservatory, where she hopes to become a famous classical singer, while Victor had hoped to become a composer of classical music. The two strike up an immediate, albeit unconventional romance.
Victor is forced to work odd jobs to make ends meet and fund his music, leading him to accept work at a factory where he is tasked with making dog whistles. Meanwhile, Shirley's audition is a success, and she lands a contract with Daudet's company, becoming an overnight sensation.
As Shirley's star rises, Victor becomes increasingly jealous and resentful of her success, and their relationship becomes strained. Amidst the turmoil, Victor's compositions finally earn him recognition, leading to a joyful reunion and renewed romance.
The film's musical numbers are a standout feature, including "Try to Forget," "The Night Was Made for Love," and "The Cat and the Fiddle." MacDonald's powerful vocal performances showcase her signature soprano voice, while Novarro's rich baritone complements her singing perfectly.
The film was directed by William K. Howard and produced by Hunt Stromberg, with a screenplay by Bella and Sam Spewack, based on a stage play by Otto Harbach and Jerome Kern. The Cat and the Fiddle was one of several musicals produced during the height of Hollywood's Golden Age that focused on the romantic exploits of artists in the Parisian arts scene.
Overall, The Cat and the Fiddle is a charming and lighthearted romantic comedy that showcases the talent of its two leading stars, Jeanette MacDonald and Ramon Novarro. Its catchy musical numbers and charming storyline make for a delightful viewing experience that is sure to leave audiences feeling warm and uplifted.
The Cat and the Fiddle is a 1934 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.
