Kitten with a Whip

Kitten with a Whip

theatrical release poster
Directed by Douglas Heyes
Produced by Harry Keller
Written by Douglas Heyes
Whit Masterson
Starring Ann-Margret
John Forsythe
Music by William Loose
Henry Mancini
Carl W. Stalling
Cinematography Joseph F. Biroc
Edited by Russell F. Schoengarth
Production
company
Release dates
November 4, 1964 (US)
Running time
82 minutes
Country United States
Language English

Kitten with a Whip is a 1964 crime drama with an exploitative, juvenile delinquent overlay. Released through Universal, the film starred John Forsythe and newcomer Ann-Margret, and featured Peter Brown, Patricia Barry and Richard Anderson.

The film was made to publicize Ann-Margret as a serious actress. Her previous films, Viva Las Vegas and Bye Bye Birdie, were of the musical film genre and did little to highlight the actress's dramatic skills. Ann-Margret's management signed her to several different films at this time, each with a top Hollywood studio, and the actress was not consulted on the projects they chose for her. In interviews, she made the best of the situation, claiming she was hoping to distance herself from her "new Marilyn Monroe" image.

Plot

The wife of politician David Stratton (John Forsythe) is away in San Francisco, visiting relatives there. Stratton comes home one night but not to an empty house—a young woman, Jody (Ann-Margret), is waiting inside.

Jody tells him a tale of woe, so David offers to help. But the truth is, she has just busted out of a juvenile detention home, where she stabbed a matron and started a fire. And she is far from alone, because two young men suddenly materialize to torment David, who is afraid of a public scandal that could end his career. If he tries to get away and contact the cops, Jody threatens to accuse David of rape. The young men and Jody enjoy a wild party, but also begin to quarrel until one is cut with a razor. They drive across the Mexico border, taking David along.

Jody and David elude them and end up in a Tijuana motel. When the punks return, a chase occurs and their car crashes, killing all. Jody, too, ends up at death's door, but absolves David of any blame.

Cast

Production

The lead role was originally offered to Brigitte Bardot but she turned it down.[1]

In popular culture

References

  1. Films for Children Urged by Radnitz: They're Next Fans, He Says; De Mille 'Thrills' Recalled Scheuer, Philip K. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 14 Oct 1963: D9.

External links