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Sci-fi comedy

The Cat from Outer Space (1978): Cast, Ratings & Plot

The Cat from Outer Space (1978) movie poster

The Cat from Outer Space is a 1978 sci-fi comedy directed by Norman Tokar, starring Roddy McDowall, Harry Morgan and Hans Conried. It runs 1 hour 44 minutes. Critics gave it 58 on Metacritic.

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The Cat from Outer Space (1978) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 44m (104 min)
Director
Norman Tokar
Genres
Sci-Fi , Comedy , Family
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is The Cat from Outer Space About?

The premise of The Cat from Outer Space without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

A curious, cat-like alien named Jake crash-lands on Earth and seeks the assistance of a scientist to repair his spacecraft. He needs a rare substance, and together they embark on a humorous adventure to find it. Along the way, they encounter the challenges of human behavior while pursuing the mysterious "Org 12." Their quest leads to an unexpected bond and a heartwarming reunion with Jake's mothership.

The Cat from Outer Space Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • cat
  • human alien relationship
  • talking cat
  • alien
  • cat movie
  • low budget sci fi movie
  • alien ship
  • can of beer
  • pool game
  • military
  • alien cat
  • scene during opening credits
+38 more
  • scene before opening credits
  • telekinesis
  • courtroom
  • parachute caught in a tree
  • parachute
  • hanging from a helicopter
  • pet cat
  • kidnapping
  • military base
  • disguise
  • time freeze
  • freeze frame
  • alien contact
  • alien creature
  • human alien team
  • animal in title
  • apartment
  • army officer
  • soldier
  • supernatural power
  • u.s. army
  • bet
  • neighbor
  • talking animal
  • watching sports on tv
  • army base
  • flying
  • five word title
  • betting shop
  • blindfold
  • watching tv
  • friend
  • military police
  • flying saucer
  • levitation
  • billiard game
  • gambling
  • spacecraft
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Cast & crew

The Cat from Outer Space Cast

Roddy McDowall leads the cast, with Harry Morgan and Hans Conried. Directed by Norman Tokar; 10 actors are credited in all.

From the director

More from Norman Tokar

More films directed by Norman Tokar, best-rated first: Candleshoe, The Apple Dumpling Gang, Where the Red Fern Grows and No Deposit, No Return.

Full filmography
Ratings

The Cat from Outer Space Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave The Cat from Outer Space 58 on Metacritic.

Plot

The Cat from Outer Space Plot Summary

What happens in The Cat from Outer Space from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

As the extraordinary cat-like alien, Zunar-J-5/9 Doric-4-7, affectionately known as Jake, makes a dramatic descent to Earth from his beleaguered spaceship, he quickly finds himself under the watchful eye of the United States government. With his Mother Ship poised to leave our solar system, Jake depends on his ingenuity to repair his damaged vessel and set in motion a daring rescue mission. His unique powers, enhanced by a special collar, grant him incredible telepathic and telekinetic abilities.

Jake’s journey begins at the Energy Research Laboratory (E.R.L.), where he becomes fascinated with Frank Wilson’s groundbreaking theory regarding the UFO’s energy source. Although Frank, often underestimated by his peers, stumbles upon the correct answer amidst skepticism. Intrigued, Jake follows him to his office, where Frank affectionately names him “Jake.”

Full summary

The whole story of The Cat from Outer Space, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Videos

The Cat from Outer Space Trailers & Videos

2 videos: 2 trailers.

The Cat from Outer Space (1978) Disney Home Video Australia Trailer
  • Trailer The Cat from Outer Space | Unofficial Official Trailer | Disney+
Quiz

How Well Do You Know The Cat from Outer Space?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What is the name of the alien cat in The Cat from Outer Space?

Cars

Cars in The Cat from Outer Space

16 cars on screen, including the Aermacchi Harley-Davidson SXT 125 and the 1958 Chevrolet Step-Van.

All 16 cars
  • Aermacchi Harley-Davidson SXT 125 in The Cat from Outer Space Aermacchi Harley-Davidson SXT 125 Important role
  • 1958 Chevrolet Step-Van in The Cat from Outer Space 1958 Chevrolet Step-Van Important role
  • 1941 Dodge WC 6 in The Cat from Outer Space 1941 Dodge WC 6 Important role
  • Willys M38 A1 in The Cat from Outer Space Willys M38 A1 Important role
Details

The Cat from Outer Space Also Known As

16 alternative titles, including “Il gatto venuto dallo spazio” and “El gato que vino del espacio”.

Also known as
  • Il gatto venuto dallo spazio
  • El gato que vino del espacio
  • Die Katze aus dem Weltraum
  • Le Chat qui vient de l'espace
  • Katten fra det ydre rum
  • Macska az űrből
  • Η Γάτα που Ήρθε από το Διάστημα
  • 우주에서 온 고양이
  • De Kat van de Melkweg
  • 鬼马太空猫
  • Кот из космоса
  • O Gato Que Veio do Espaço
+4 more
  • Kot z kosmosu
  • スペースキャット
  • חתול מהחלל החיצון
  • Uzaydan Gelen Kedi

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FAQ

The Cat from Outer Space FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of The Cat from Outer Space, each answered in a sentence.

How long is The Cat from Outer Space?

The Cat from Outer Space runs 1 hour 44 minutes (104 minutes).

When was The Cat from Outer Space released?

The Cat from Outer Space was released on June 9, 1978.

Who directed The Cat from Outer Space?

The Cat from Outer Space was directed by Norman Tokar.

More films by Norman Tokar

Who is in the cast of The Cat from Outer Space?

The Cat from Outer Space stars Roddy McDowall, Harry Morgan and Hans Conried, among 10 credited actors.

How is The Cat from Outer Space rated?

The Cat from Outer Space has 58 on Metacritic.

Does The Cat from Outer Space have a post-credit scene?

No. The Cat from Outer Space has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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