Meet the Wildcat


Meet the Wildcat is an American 1940 mystery film directed by Arthur Lubin starring Ralph Bellamy and Margaret Lindsay.

Plot

One day in Mexico, magazine photographer Ann Larkin is in a museum when she happens to see a man steal a painting. Pursuing and accusing him, she believes the man, Brod Williams, to be a notorious art thief known only as "The Wildcat."
Brod brings the stolen painting to Leon Dumeray, a gallery owner. Dumeray recognizes it as stolen property and notifies the police, who place Brod under arrest. Ann comes to visit Brod in jail, but after complying with his request to bring him a pineapple from a local fruit stand, she is shocked to find a gun has been hidden inside it. Brod makes a daring escape, forcing Ann to switch clothing with him and fleeing the jail dressed as a woman.
Law authorities later congratulate Brod on his scheme. He is actually a police detective from New York City who is trying to smoke out Dumeray, who is the real Wildcat. He is offered a job by Dumeray, who now trusts Brod to be a dishonest man. Ann, however, doesn't know Dumeray is the thief and tips him off to Brod's true identity. Dumeray takes both as his prisoners, but Brod breaks free and calls for the police.

Cast

Production

Filming started August 1940. Bellamy was cast shortly before filming began.

Reception

The New York Times called it "an obvious picture" but one that was "deftly and amusingly played" and "breezes along at a smooth pace."
Diabolique magazine called it "a really fun mystery comedy with Margaret Lindsay in superb form as a photographer convinced Ralph Bellamy is an art thief."