The Case of the Black Cat
“PERRY MASON'S BACK...and so are the thrills, suspense, and excitement of Erle Stanley Gardner's greatest mystery drama!”
Synopsis
Lawyer Perry Mason is summoned to the Laxter mansion in the dead of night to write granddaughter Wilma out of invalid Peter Laxter's will, to keep her from marrying suspected fortune hunter Doug. Peter dies in a mysterious fire and Laxter's two grandsons, Sam Laxter and Frank Oafley, inherit his estate on the condition old caretaker Schuster and his cat Clinker are kept on. When cat-hating Sam threatens Clinker, Perry steps in and learns Laxter's death was suspicious and the family fortune and diamonds are missing. Schuster's found dead in his basement apartment, Laxter's nurse Louise is murdered with Schuster's crutch, and circumstantial evidence brings Doug to trial for Louise's death. Mason's investigation produces a surprise witness who turns the trial around. Written by Sister Grimm
Part of the Perry Mason Collection
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Top Cast
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Ricardo Cortez
Perry Mason
June Travis
Della Street
Jane Bryan
Wilma Laxter
Craig Reynolds
Frank Oafley
Carlyle Moore Jr.
Douglas Keene
Bill Elliott
Sam Laxter
Nedda Harrigan
Nurse Louise DeVoe
Garry Owen
Paul Drake
Harry Davenport
Peter Laxter
George Rosener
Charles Ashton
Gordon Hart
Dr. Jacobs
Clarence Wilson
Mr. Shuster
Guy Usher
District Attorney Hamilton Burger
Lottie Williams
Mrs. Pixley
Harry Hayden
Reverend Stillwell
Earl Askam
Desk Officer (uncredited)
Don Downen
Newsboy (uncredited)
Kenneth Gibson
Clerk (uncredited)
Release History & Theatrical Window
Falls City, Nebraska
Festival / Special Debut
October 31, 1936
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- William C. McGann
- Screenplay & Story
- F. Hugh Herbert
- Original Score
- Heinz Roemheld
- Original Title
- The Case of the Black Cat
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 6m
- Production Studios
- First National Pictures, Warner Bros. Pictures
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
William C. McGann
F. Hugh Herbert, Erle Stanley Gardner
Heinz Roemheld
Allen G. Siegler
Frank Magee
Bryan Foy, Jack L. Warner, Hal B. Wallis
Department Leadership Roster
Frank Magee
Editor
Allen G. Siegler
Director of Photography
Milo Anderson
Costume Design
F. Hugh Herbert
Screenplay
William C. McGann
Director
Bryan Foy
Producer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
NR: Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Case of the Black Cat.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Case of the Black Cat
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Case of the Black Cat about?
Lawyer Perry Mason is summoned to the Laxter mansion in the dead of night to write granddaughter Wilma out of invalid Peter Laxter's will, to keep her from marrying suspected fortune hunter Doug. Peter dies in a mysterious fire and Laxter's two grandsons, Sam Laxter and Frank Oafley, inherit his estate on the condition old caretaker Schuster and his cat Clinker are kept on. When cat-hating Sam threatens Clinker, Perry steps in and learns Laxter's death was suspicious and the family fortune and diamonds are missing. Schuster's found dead in his basement apartment, Laxter's nurse Louise is murdered with Schuster's crutch, and circumstantial evidence brings Doug to trial for Louise's death. Mason's investigation produces a surprise witness who turns the trial around. Written by Sister Grimm
Who directed The Case of the Black Cat?
The Case of the Black Cat was directed by William C. McGann.
Who stars in The Case of the Black Cat?
The principal cast of The Case of the Black Cat includes Ricardo Cortez, June Travis, Jane Bryan, Craig Reynolds, Carlyle Moore Jr..
When was The Case of the Black Cat released and how long is it?
The Case of the Black Cat was released in 1936 with a total runtime of 1h 6m.
Who composed the musical score for The Case of the Black Cat?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Case of the Black Cat was composed by Heinz Roemheld.
What is the age rating and content advisory for The Case of the Black Cat?
The Case of the Black Cat holds official age classifications: US: NR (Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.).