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Cat People poster

Cat People (1942)

“She knew strange, fierce pleasures that no other woman could ever feel!”

6.9/10 · 700 votes 1h 13m nr RomanceHorrorMystery

#4 of 5 films from 1942 #630 of 1371 in romance

Directed by Jacques Tourneur · Written by DeWitt Bodeen

▶ Trailer, images & where to stream

Overview

A Serbian émigré in Manhattan believes that, because of an ancient curse, any physical intimacy with the man she loves will turn her into a feline predator.

Cast

Simone Simonas Irena Dubrovna Reed
Kent Smithas Oliver Reed
Tom Conwayas Dr. Louis Judd
Jane Randolphas Alice Moore
Jack Holtas The Commodore
Henrietta Burnsideas Sue Ellen (uncredited)
Alec Craigas Zookeeper (uncredited)
Eddie Dewas Street Policeman (uncredited)
Elizabeth Dunneas Mrs. Plunkett (uncredited)
Dot Farleyas Mrs. Agnew (uncredited)
Mary Halseyas Blondie (uncredited)
Theresa Harrisas Minnie (uncredited)
Charles Jordanas Bus Driver (uncredited)
Donald Kerras Taxi Driver (uncredited)

Facts

Release dateDecember 5, 1942
Runtime73 min (1h 13m) — about the same as the 1942 average of 79 min
GenresRomance, Horror, Mystery
LanguageEN
Budget$134,000
Box office$4,000,000 (29.9× budget)
IMDbtt0034587

More from Jacques Tourneur

Out of the PastOut of the Past1947 · ★ 7.7 · 1h 37m

If you liked Cat People

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Questions

How long is Cat People?
Cat People runs 73 minutes (1h 13m), short enough for a weeknight.
Is Cat People worth watching?
TMDB users give it 6.9/10 across 700 votes, which places it #4 of 5 films released in 1942 in this index (top 40%) and #630 among 1371 romance titles.
Who directed Cat People?
Cat People was directed by Jacques Tourneur. Other well-rated titles by the same director: Out of the Past (1947).
Who stars in Cat People?
Simone Simon as Irena Dubrovna Reed; Kent Smith as Oliver Reed; Tom Conway as Dr. Louis Judd; Jane Randolph as Alice Moore; Jack Holt as The Commodore; Henrietta Burnside as Sue Ellen (uncredited).
What is Cat People rated?
It carries a nr certification in its home market. Ratings differ by country.
Where can I watch the trailer for Cat People?
Open the title in the MTDb app for trailers, images and streaming links: https://mv.peoplentools.com/titles/59801.

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Film data and images from TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. Ratings are TMDB user scores as of 2026-10-05.