The Cat from Outer Space 1978

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.”

Tensions rise when Liz Bartlet, upset by Frank’s casual demeanor in the face of significant scientific findings, storms in. Frank smoothly steps in to ease the atmosphere. In this moment, Jake unveils his alien identity to Frank, demonstrating his amazing powers and proposing a quid pro quo: he will share advanced energy knowledge in exchange for Frank’s help.

As the night progresses, they devise a plan to infiltrate the military base housing Jake’s spaceship. Liz, accompanied by her feline friend, Lucybelle, unexpectedly joins their dinner plans. To slip past detection, Jake pretends to be unwell, allowing Frank to fly up using a backup collar and attach a diagnostic device to the ship.

Discovering that Jake’s ship is in desperate need of an element called “Org 12,” which Frank identifies as elemental gold, they solidify their partnership. Back at Frank’s apartment, they begin a thrilling quest for a treasure worth $120,000. When Norman Link, a colleague of Frank’s, appears, he introduces an evening filled with gambling on horse races and football games. Seizing the opportunity, Jake uses his extraordinary abilities to guide Link’s horse to victory. This success inspires Frank and Jake to coax Link into joining their efforts, taking advantage of his financial stake.

However, their progress is stalled when a well-meaning veterinarian, summoned by Liz due to worries about Jake’s condition, accidentally knocks him unconscious. Unfazed, Frank briefs Liz on their quest, and they head to a local pool hall where Link has placed his bets, only to find their luck has taken a turn for the worse.

With the clock ticking down and stakes getting higher, they agree to a high-stakes pool match against Sarasota Slim, a cunning hustler. Frank tries to leverage Jake’s collar, but just when all seems lost, Jake awakens. Using his unique powers, he alters the game’s final moments, leading them to victory and securing the funds necessary to procure the gold needed for his ship’s repair.

Their triumphant moment is short-lived, however, as industrial spy Stallwood, working on behalf of the nefarious Olympus, begins to shadow their every move, along with military authorities. As Frank and Jake narrowly evade capture, they face a new danger when Link, Liz, and Lucybelle fall into the hands of the malevolent Olympus.

In a courageous decision, Jake opts to send his ship back to the Mother Ship while he stays on Earth to save his friends. He commandeers a rundown biplane in a daring infiltration of an Olympus helicopter, leading to a chaotic showdown resulting in the chopper’s crash. This ultimately leaves Olympus and Stallwood vulnerable to capture by the authorities. With his friends safely back on solid ground, Jake is granted the opportunity to remain on Earth as an ambassador of an extraterrestrial “friendly power” and eventually achieves his dream of becoming a United States citizen.