A hypothetical take on what may have transpired in William Randolph Hearst's yacht on the night of November 16, 1924, "The Cat's Meow" is a stylish period drama of life in high society and the glitzy shallowness of The Jazz Age. Based on a play the film whirls in the sights and sounds of Charlestons, liquor, Art Deco, feathers, fedoras and interactions of plasticity and opportunity. Such a heady and pretentious atmosphere can only lead to either of two directions: nothing or tragedy. Sexual tension and jealousy lead to a gunshot that ends the party. Slow-going and unessential the film is more color and sound than substance. Well directed by Peter Bogdanovich with a talented cast and a particularly comely Kirsten Dunst standing out, the film went nowhere upon release but is worth the time for those interested in history and film.
Review of The Cat's Meow
