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Friday, January 28, 2011

1961 Black Cat Horror Movie Auditions



Tales of Terror was a 1962 horror film starring Vincent Price, Peter Lorre, and Basil Rathbone. Billed as a "Trilogy of Shock and Horror," the film consisted of three short sequences, all based on Edgar Allan Poe stories: "Morella", "The Facts in the Case of M. Valdemar", and "The Black Cat." On one auspicious day in 1961, an open audition was held in Hollywood to find the perfect cat to play the part of the the eponymous feline. Fortunately for us, photographer Ralph Crane was on hand to capture every glorious moment!

(Click images to enlarge)
Cats lined up from miles around for a shot at superstardom


The competition was fierce!


One final screen test with stars Price and Lorre

Most amazing glasses ever! A star is born?

Time to pack up and go home!


The film was critically panned upon release, but the black cat auditions will forever go down in feline film history!

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13 comments:

  1. LilyJanuary 28, 2011 at 11:13 AM

    My sisfur Luna could have been in that movie! Luv the pics of the black kittehs lined up to audition! Purrrs

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  2. KC and the Giggleman KittiesJanuary 28, 2011 at 12:40 PM

    Ohmigosh, iffen Sol had been there, wif him's sexy smile, none of the other cats would haf stood a chance.
    Of iffen Mr. Hendrix or Jack, KC's mancat boyfriend.
    And look it all tha beautiful black cats. Wow.
    I's gonna link this post to tha House Panthers bloggie, they will love it. Iffen you's not a member, you oughtta be.
    Love & Purrs,
    KC

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  3. Luscious LucyJanuary 28, 2011 at 3:33 PM

    Wowww, what great photos and info! Ok, Catsparella, fess up --- that's you in the specks, isn't it. We think today you wear a white bib so that you can travel incognito ;)
    xoxoxo

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  4. SparkleJanuary 28, 2011 at 5:40 PM

    Oh, that rules! I had to share it on my Facebook page!

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  5. Jans Funny FarmJanuary 28, 2011 at 6:00 PM

    Well, that must have been an interesting audition.

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  6. The Lee County ClowderJanuary 28, 2011 at 6:32 PM

    We kinda suspect this was mostly a publicity stunt. But the Pirate Girls definitely would have been there if they had been around.

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  7. TJanuary 28, 2011 at 7:46 PM

    This is AMAZING!!!!!!!!

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  8. CateJanuary 28, 2011 at 7:48 PM

    Great story, love the pic of the cat in the bag :D

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  9. Zippy, Sadie, Speedy and M'GeeJanuary 28, 2011 at 9:09 PM

    Dat was a lot of black cats...our mom woulda been in snuggle heaven!

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  10. Mr PuddyJanuary 29, 2011 at 2:59 AM

    Wow ! Impressive post...Me and my mom love this ...Especially, when people lined up with their cats..Look amazing !!!!
    Thank you so much : )

    xxx

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  11. CoryJanuary 29, 2011 at 9:53 AM

    Oh wow, I would have loved to audition...except I wasn't born yet.

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  12. DaniJanuary 30, 2011 at 4:59 PM

    These are great photos! What a good find. It reminds me a bit of the Ikea commercial with the owners and their cats. Here is a Gizmodo article about that commercial if you haven't seen it:

    http://gizmodo.com/5634257/ikea-let-loose-a-herd-of-100-cats-into-store-to-see-what-happens

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  13. TJanuary 31, 2011 at 10:42 AM

    i just watched the trailer.....confusing! LOL

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