Novelist and critic Kim Newman assesses the horror noir Cat People (1943), produced by Val Lewton and directed by Jacques Tourneur. This important and influential film is considered in the light of its place in film history and as a work of ambitious horror. The new edition includes a postscript about the sequel, The Curse of the Cat People.

'Horrific, grisly and truly frightening . . . a masterpiece of terror.' - "Washington Star"
'One of the more terrifying, deliciously scary thrillers.' - "New York Magazine"
'This is a beastly business that will make your flesh creep. A magnificently malignant horror story to which you will be unavoidably committed.' - "Kirkus Reviews"
'You'll wish you never started reading the damn thing in the first place but you'll keep reading till the bitter end . . . it is low-key and deadpan . . . a compelling tour de force.' - "Chattanooga Times"
'Malevolent Gothic whimsy . . . the...