The underlying notion of the movie is surely familiar to many viewers - a group of kids, exploring and playing, innocently discover odd goings-on and have a role in investigating criminal activity. Small clues lead to hypotheses, and ultimately concrete revelations. There's unmistakable simplicity and ham-handedness in much of the picture, denoting that this is clearly made a young audience, and families - cemented, of course, by the centering of three school age kids as protagonists. At that, however, 'The cat gang' is also enjoyable for all ages; it's hardly a must-see, but it's charming, and well made.
George Evans' story, written for the screen by John Eldridge, bears all the hallmarks of books and short stories that have long preceded television programming and full-length features. We have the plucky kids, adults as supporting characters with exaggerated personalities, slick baddies, and persistent obstacles for the children to overcome. The cast is duly capable as they inhabit their roles - including Francesca Annis, in her debut at only 14 years old! - and Darrell Catling's direction is quite fine. The writing and orchestration of each scene claim just enough cleverness to keep the movie interesting, and a small hint of suspense that survives the easily predictable outcome.
I can appreciate that this perhaps would fail to appeal to broad modern audiences, not even young ones; one could argue it's a sliver too hokey, or just not as exciting as more recent fare. Still, I watch 'The cat gang' and see a distinct through-line from the oldest of all stories about and for kids, to the most recent TV shows or web series that a young teen or adolescent may view. From the low-key sense of mystery to minor stunts, from Edwin Astley's uncomplicated original music to the prominence of cats in the plot, this is pleasing and entertaining even through the restrictions of its stylings. You don't need to go out of your way for 'The cat gang,' I don't think, but if you have the opportunity to watch it, then at only 50 minutes, this is a steal!
George Evans' story, written for the screen by John Eldridge, bears all the hallmarks of books and short stories that have long preceded television programming and full-length features. We have the plucky kids, adults as supporting characters with exaggerated personalities, slick baddies, and persistent obstacles for the children to overcome. The cast is duly capable as they inhabit their roles - including Francesca Annis, in her debut at only 14 years old! - and Darrell Catling's direction is quite fine. The writing and orchestration of each scene claim just enough cleverness to keep the movie interesting, and a small hint of suspense that survives the easily predictable outcome.
I can appreciate that this perhaps would fail to appeal to broad modern audiences, not even young ones; one could argue it's a sliver too hokey, or just not as exciting as more recent fare. Still, I watch 'The cat gang' and see a distinct through-line from the oldest of all stories about and for kids, to the most recent TV shows or web series that a young teen or adolescent may view. From the low-key sense of mystery to minor stunts, from Edwin Astley's uncomplicated original music to the prominence of cats in the plot, this is pleasing and entertaining even through the restrictions of its stylings. You don't need to go out of your way for 'The cat gang,' I don't think, but if you have the opportunity to watch it, then at only 50 minutes, this is a steal!