Murder She Purred: A Mrs. Murphy Mystery 1998

In this warm, family-friendly mystery, Mrs. Murphy [Blythe Danner], a gray domestic shorthair cat, and Tucker [Anthony Clark], a plucky Pembroke Welsh Corgi, team up to investigate their new neighbor whom they believe has committed a crime. They belong to Mary Minor “Harry” Haristeen [Ricki Lake], a woman known to friends by the nickname Harry, the first part of her last name, who shares their curiosity and loyalty.

From their cozy home base, the duo keeps a keen eye on the town’s quiet rhythms, following clues that unfold in everyday moments and small, telling interactions. Their partnership with a human keeper is built on trust, mutual respect, and a gentle sense of humor, turning ordinary days into a collaborative effort to uncover truth and justice.

The plot thickens, says Mrs. Murphy.

Tucker asks, “What’s Harry having for lunch?” Mrs. Murphy replies, “Tuna fish — with WAY too much mustard.”

They don’t pick on you because you’re short, Tucker, they pick on you because you act short. You’re only as small as you think you are. You want to be a big dog? You have to act like a big dog. Think tall.

Tucker says, “I just don’t think I’m that good of an actor.”

The heroic theme music from Chariots of Fire plays in the background when Tucker courageously jumps through the air — first, when he knocks a gun away, and then, when he makes the two German shepherds get out of the cat’s way. Mrs. Murphy thanks Tucker with a nudge, saying, “that’s for being the biggest dog I know.”

The film features Blythe Danner voicing Mrs. Murphy and Anthony Clark voicing Tucker. The animal stars and their wrangler/handler are noted as uncredited in the onscreen credits, while Snowball the black kitten delivers a final spoken line. The closing credits also acknowledge the involvement of Birds & Animals Unlimited with the animals, and credit the Animals Coordinator Cheryl Harris.