Marion Davies: Kirsten Dunst	William Randolph Hearst: Edward Herrmann
Charlie Chaplin: Eddie Izzard	Thomas Ince: Cary Elwes
Elinor Glyn: Joanna Lumley	Louella Parsons: Jennifer Tilly
Director: Peter Bogdanovich

30 Second Bottom Line: Based on a true story, Cat's Meow takes us on a fateful California cruise aboard William Randolph Hearst's yacht in November of 1924. In an Agatha Christie style thriller, the elegant yacht becomes the isolated scene for intrigue, raucous behavior and a murder, which, to this day, remains an unsolved mystery.

Story Line: Marion Davies (Kirsten Dunst) has the world's richest, most powerful media man, William Randolph Hearst (Edward Hermann), wrapped around her pretty little finger. WR may be married to a Mrs. Hearst, but we never even meet her, and it's clear Marion has his heart. Together, they are hosting a yachting party, an excursion along the California coast, with a hot Hollywood guest list, including Charlie Chaplin (Eddie Izzard) who also has a mad crush on Marion. Also on board are film producer Thomas Ince (Cary Elves) whose success is fading desperately fast; and Louella Parsons (Jennifer Tilly), ambitious gossip columnist for Hearst in New York, with an iron determination to get that position on his LA paper.

Voice-over comments set an evil tone about the bizarre make-believe world of Hollywood; "Am I visiting the zoo, or am I one of the animals?" And, "The California Curse-it's not a place, it's a luring evil wizard who banishes your personality and any morals you may have." The decadent, amoral excesses of early Hollywood are eerily portrayed.

Charlie Chaplin lustily and flagrantly pursues Marion Davies who loves him and his attention, yet is desperately trying to remain faithful and protect the fragile heart of WR. Night and day partying weakens her resolve and creates heart-wrenching tensions for WR, spurred on by the producer with an agenda, Thomas Ince. The electricity between Charlie and Marion permeates the parties and Hearst, embarrassed and jealous, approaches a boiling point.

Ultimately the tragedy occurs. An innocent man is accidentally killed and the power of the Hearst empire kicks into full gear to buy the silence of all on board.

Tell Me More About It: Elegance, opulence, beauty, ambition and a real life murder are foolproof ingredients for great drama, and Peter Bogdanovich gives us a lush decadent portrayal here of one potential version of the facts. Exuding the richness and nonchalance of the mid-nineteen twenties, the yacht is a floating palace of rich dark woods, oriental carpets and lavish parties. The decadence of this world oozes from scene to scene. Life is one big party filled with beautiful, ambitious, amoral, talented people.

exception of WR who seems almost girlish in his emotional vulnerability. For one of the world's most powerful men I would expect him to be more cutthroat and controlling than as sensitive as he is portrayed here. Additionally, the story is less of an intriguing murder mystery than a period piece with an ending that wraps it all up a little too quickly.

The filming captures the atmosphere of the 20's with the opening and closing scenes in black and white, reminiscent of a newsreel from that era. The historical introductory and closing narration enforces the reality of this hushed-up story-a fascinating slice of Hearst's power.

This is a beautifully made film, and we welcome Bogdanovich's return to the major motion picture directing scene after an 8-year absence. Hopefully, it will be a successful re-launch of his career.

Kirsten Dunst: Crazy/Beautiful	Edward Herrmann: Eleanor and Franklin
Eddie Izzard: The Avengers	Cary Elwes: The Princess Bride
Joanna Lumley: Shirley Valentine	Jennifer Tilly: The Fabulous Baker Boys
Peter Bogdanovich: The Last Picture Show