The 1998 filmed version of Cats, while visually ambitious, omitted the iconic “Growltiger’s Last Stand,” primarily due to concerns about pacing, runtime, and the perceived darker, potentially problematic, elements within the segment. The creative team, striving for a streamlined narrative accessible to a wider audience, ultimately deemed the song expendable in service of the overall production.
The Prickliest Paws in Cats: Untangling “Growltiger’s Last Stand”
“Growltiger’s Last Stand” is a theatrical highlight of the Cats musical, a lively and often humorous pastiche of operatic melodrama and pirate-themed adventure. Within the larger narrative, Old Deuteronomy introduces it as a dramatization performed by Gus the Theatre Cat, showcasing his former glory days. The segment tells the tale of Growltiger, a notorious pirate cat who terrorizes the Thames River, demanding “catnip and cream” from passing ships. His reign of terror is abruptly ended when the Siamese cats, led by Griddlebone, lure him onto a barge, where he is promptly thrown overboard and presumably eaten.
While entertaining on stage, the filmed adaptation faced several challenges regarding the inclusion of “Growltiger’s Last Stand.” Length was a significant factor. The song is relatively long, adding several minutes to an already lengthy show. Producers often make difficult choices when adapting stage productions to film, prioritizing what they perceive as essential for the narrative and target audience.
Beyond length, the segment also presents thematic challenges. While the overall tone of Cats is whimsical and fantastical, “Growltiger’s Last Stand” introduces elements of violence and implied death that clash with the lightheartedness of the rest of the production. This darker tone, coupled with the portrayal of the Siamese cats, raised concerns about potential cultural insensitivity and perpetuation of stereotypes.
Navigating the Chopping Block: Reasons for the Omission
The decision to cut “Growltiger’s Last Stand” wasn’t made lightly. It involved numerous discussions amongst the creative team, including composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, director David Mallet, and the producers.
- Pacing Issues: The 1998 filmed version of Cats already struggled with pacing. Adding a lengthy, self-contained segment like “Growltiger’s Last Stand” would have exacerbated this issue, potentially losing the audience’s attention.
- Runtime Concerns: Producers are often pressured to keep film runtimes within a certain length to maximize the number of screenings per day. Cutting “Growltiger’s Last Stand” significantly reduced the overall length of the film.
- Thematic Consistency: The darker and more violent elements of “Growltiger’s Last Stand” were deemed inconsistent with the overall tone of the film. The producers wanted to create a family-friendly production, and the segment was seen as potentially alienating to younger viewers.
- Stereotypical Representations: The portrayal of the Siamese cats, while intended to be humorous, was considered by some to be potentially offensive and perpetuate harmful stereotypes. Avoiding controversy was a key consideration.
- Narrative Impact: While “Growltiger’s Last Stand” provides a vehicle for Gus the Theatre Cat to showcase his past, its omission doesn’t fundamentally alter the overall narrative of Cats. The central theme of the Jellicle Ball and the selection of the Jellicle Choice remains intact.
- Emphasis on Other Characters: The production team likely wanted to give more screen time to other characters considered more central to the narrative, such as Grizabella and Rum Tum Tugger.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About “Growltiger’s Last Stand”
Below are some frequently asked questions that provide further context and information about “Growltiger’s Last Stand” and its absence from the 1998 film.
H3: Was Andrew Lloyd Webber involved in the decision to cut the song?
Yes, Andrew Lloyd Webber was involved in the decision to omit “Growltiger’s Last Stand.” While he originally composed the music, he ultimately deferred to the director and producers regarding the final cut of the film. He understood the need to make difficult choices to adapt the stage production for the screen.
H3: Did other stage productions of Cats also cut the song?
While rare, some stage productions of Cats have omitted “Growltiger’s Last Stand,” particularly in school or community theatre settings where runtime or staging limitations exist. However, it’s considered a standard part of the original production and is usually included.
H3: How did audiences react to the omission of the song in the 1998 film?
Many fans of the stage musical were disappointed by the omission of “Growltiger’s Last Stand” in the 1998 film. They felt that it was a crucial part of the show and that its absence detracted from the overall experience. Others, particularly those unfamiliar with the stage musical, may not have even noticed its absence.
H3: What are the lyrics to “Growltiger’s Last Stand” about?
The lyrics tell the story of Growltiger, a notorious pirate cat who terrorizes the Thames River. He demands “catnip and cream” from passing ships and engages in various acts of feline mischief. The song culminates in his capture by the Siamese cats and his presumed demise.
H3: Who typically plays the roles of Growltiger and Griddlebone in a stage production?
In a stage production, the role of Growltiger is usually played by the same actor who plays Gus the Theatre Cat, emphasizing the performance-within-a-performance aspect. Griddlebone, the leader of the Siamese cats, is often played by a female dancer or singer.
H3: Are there any recordings of “Growltiger’s Last Stand” from the 1998 film cast?
No, there are no official recordings of “Growltiger’s Last Stand” performed by the cast of the 1998 film, as the song was never filmed. However, there are numerous recordings available from various stage productions and cast albums of Cats.
H3: Did the 2019 film version of Cats include “Growltiger’s Last Stand”?
No, the 2019 film adaptation of Cats also omitted “Growltiger’s Last Stand.” This decision likely stemmed from similar concerns about pacing, runtime, and potentially offensive portrayals.
H3: Was there any behind-the-scenes footage of the 1998 cast rehearsing “Growltiger’s Last Stand”?
Unfortunately, there is no publicly available behind-the-scenes footage showcasing the 1998 cast rehearsing “Growltiger’s Last Stand,” as the segment was ultimately cut before filming.
H3: How does “Growltiger’s Last Stand” contribute to the overall themes of Cats?
While not essential to the central narrative, “Growltiger’s Last Stand” contributes to the theme of memory and nostalgia, as it’s presented as a reminiscence of Gus the Theatre Cat’s past performances. It also explores themes of good versus evil and the consequences of one’s actions.
H3: Were there any alternate versions of “Growltiger’s Last Stand” considered for the film?
There’s no publicly available information suggesting that alternate, shortened, or modified versions of “Growltiger’s Last Stand” were considered for the 1998 film. The decision appears to have been to cut the segment entirely.
H3: How are the Siamese cats portrayed in “Growltiger’s Last Stand”?
The Siamese cats are portrayed as cunning and mischievous figures who ultimately outsmart and defeat Growltiger. However, their portrayal has been criticized for potentially relying on stereotypical and problematic depictions of Asian cultures.
H3: Where can I find a good performance of “Growltiger’s Last Stand” to watch?
Many recordings and live performances of “Growltiger’s Last Stand” are available on platforms like YouTube. Searching for cast recordings of Cats or live performances of the musical will yield numerous results. You can also find it on official recordings of the Cats soundtrack.
In Conclusion: A Calculated Cut
The omission of “Growltiger’s Last Stand” from the 1998 Cats film was a multifaceted decision driven by practical considerations and sensitivity to potential cultural issues. While its absence disappointed some fans, the creative team prioritized pacing, runtime, and a family-friendly tone, ultimately believing that cutting the segment was necessary to create a more accessible and commercially viable film. The decision highlights the complex challenges of adapting a beloved stage musical for the silver screen, where artistic choices often collide with the realities of filmmaking.