Cats Don't Dance is a 1997 animated musical film directed by
Mark Dindal, which featured an ensemble cast including
Scott Bakula,
Jasmine Guy, sung vocals by
Natalie Cole,
Jon Rhys-Davies,
Ashley Peldon, and various others, and featured a soundtrack of musical numbers composed by
Randy Newman and contributions to choreography by
Gene Kelly; his final film contribution before his death in 1996. The film features an alternate 1939 where humans and anthropomorphic animals co-exist and work in Hollywood; in which the animals are not allowed any leverage in show business. The story follows Indiana-native Danny T. Cat
(Bakula) venturing to Hollywood to start an acting career, and eventually facing and overcoming the injustices inherent in the system in order to get better parts for him and his friends. The film was not a commercial success and received mixed-to-positive reviews upon release, but over the years has developed a cult following for its dark satirical undertones, and allegories to the plight of black actors and actresses during this same time period.
On a new episode of
Hell Is A Musical,
Lilz and
Scott are overwhelmed with whimsy as they sit through a screening of
Cats Don't Dance with return guest
Kendra Beltran of the
Crushgasm podcast! Join them for perplexing old Hollywood references that would probably go over the heads of young children, make an excruciating amount of furry jokes, and kneel in deference to the will of the immortal godking tyrant whose name is whispered by
mere mortals as
Don Knotts.
...with Lilz & Scott!