That Darn Cat

That Darn Cat

Year: 1997

Runtime: 89 min

Language: English

Director: Bob Spiers

ActionMysteryComedyCrimeFamily

Returning home to her unusual family, Erica finds herself caught in a whirlwind of confusion when her playful cat, Sherman, causes a series of mishaps. A misplaced pregnancy test further complicates matters, leading to rumors and misunderstandings. As the family struggles to navigate the escalating chaos and Sherman's antics, they must confront the truth behind the escalating situation and restore order.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen That Darn Cat yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

That Darn Cat (1997) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of That Darn Cat (1997), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

Meet Darn Cat (DC), a playful Siamese tomcat who rules the roost in the Randall household, which is home to sisters Ingrid and Patricia. By night, DC embarks on whimsical escapades around town, amusing himself by teasing local dogs, snagging snacks, and leaving his mark on unsuspecting vehicles.

One fateful evening, driven by his curiosity, DC follows the notorious bank robber Iggy into an apartment where Iggy and his accomplice Dan have taken hostage Margaret Miller, a bank employee. Seizing a moment of chance, Miss Miller cleverly switches DC’s collar with her watch, desperately inscribing letters to spell “HELP” amidst a flurry of worry.

Upon his return home, DC’s antics continue to unfold. While the Randalls are oblivious to the cat’s adventure, Patti discovers the watch and suspects it belongs to the kidnapped woman. Determined to take action, she speaks with Agent Zeke Kelso at the FBI, and thus, Supervisor Newton assigns Kelso the task of tailing DC, in hopes that the clever feline will lead them to the robbers’ lair.

Kelso sets up camp in the Randall home, assembling a team to monitor DC’s every move. However, the mischievous cat proves too crafty to catch, constantly evading their traps through humorous and embarrassing episodes. The grand conclusion features a thrilling chase that winds through backyards and a drive-in theater, eventually leading to a funny encounter with Gregory Benson, the owner of a pigeon coop, who hilariously chases both DC and Kelso away.

As the operation continues, Agent Kelso’s supervisor Newton grows frustrated and decides to discontinue their efforts, claiming the watch to be an unreliable lead. Not one to give up, Patti disguises herself as a colorful niece of her jeweler friend Mr. Hoffsteddar, embedding herself in the FBI’s investigation and asserting that the watch is indeed significant evidence. Thus, Newton and Kelso embark on one last surveillance mission from the Randall’s home, tracing DC across several neighborhoods until they finally locate the robbers’ hideout.

In a thrilling climax, Kelso arrives just in time to rescue Miss Miller, with Patti gallantly following closely behind, determined to protect her newfound hero. After a brief scuffle, the kidnappers are apprehended, and Miss Miller is freed from her ordeal.

After this exhilarating adventure, Patti reconciles with her on-again, off-again boyfriend Canoe, who had been grappling with jealousy due to the secretive nature of the FBI’s investigation. Meanwhile, Agent Kelso discovers new love with Ingrid, as DC embarks on a new chapter of his life with a lovely gray cat he has encountered during his nightly escapades.

Last Updated: November 17, 2024 at 21:59

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Whimsical Animal-Centric Chaos Movies like That Darn Cat

Stories where a mischievous animal causes a comedic chain reaction of events.If you enjoyed the mischievous antics of the cat in That Darn Cat, you'll love these movies where a clever pet drives the plot. Find similar family comedies and adventures featuring animal-led chaos, lighthearted misunderstandings, and feel-good resolutions.

whimsicalmischievouschaoticlightheartedadventurousanimal anticsslapstick

Narrative Summary

The narrative typically follows a linear sequence of events triggered by the animal's behavior. Human characters, often initially frustrated, are pulled into a whimsical mystery or adventure. The plot is propelled by chases, escapes, and humorous misunderstandings, all culminating in a happy resolution where the animal is the unsung hero.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared focus on a animal protagonist whose actions drive a light, fast-paced, and comedic plot. They share a whimsical tone, low emotional weight, and a structure where animal intelligence and mischief create the central conflict and solution.

Lighthearted Crime Caper Movies like That Darn Cat

Comedic capers where incompetent officials bumble through a low-stakes mystery.Looking for more movies like That Darn Cat? This list features similar lighthearted crime capers and comedic investigations. Discover films with bumbling FBI agents, silly misunderstandings, and a fast-paced, family-friendly blend of mystery and humor.

quirkybumblinglightheartedmisunderstandingcrime investigationslapstickfeel-good

Narrative Summary

The narrative involves a crime or mystery that is investigated by characters who are comically ill-suited for the task. Their failures and misinterpretations provide the main source of humor, often while a more capable but unconventional character (or animal) actually solves the case. The resolution is satisfying and happy, reinforcing that the danger was never too severe.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their unique blend of a crime plot with a predominantly comedic tone. The similarity comes from the portrayal of law enforcement as a source of humor, a straightforward mystery, and a pacing that favors quick gags and chases over deep suspense.

Unlock the Full Story of That Darn Cat

Don't stop at just watching — explore That Darn Cat in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what That Darn Cat is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

That Darn Cat Timeline

Track the full timeline of That Darn Cat with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

That Darn Cat Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in That Darn Cat

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape That Darn Cat. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in That Darn Cat

That Darn Cat Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of That Darn Cat that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

That Darn Cat Spoiler-Free Summary

More About That Darn Cat

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about That Darn Cat: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About That Darn Cat