3 BLACK CATS Just a simple image, designed to be as curious, as mysterious, and as sensuous as its subjects. Cats, particularly those with solid black coats, have been closely associated with magic, mythology, and mystery for thousands of years. In ancient Egypt they were often regarded as dieties. And in Medieval Europe the very sight of one was considered a portent of bad luck. Cats have also served as stars or important bit players in dozens of movies and television shows, featuring live action as well as cartoon felines. They have provided truly scary sequences in many horror and sci-fi screen presentations. Examples include the pet that was an unsuccessful experiment in the 1958 version of “The Fly.” The dangerous predator in “The Incredible Shrinking Man.” And of course, there is the 1942 classic and its remake 40 years later: “Cat People.” In many of the genre’s classic movies, the role of the cat is so integral to the plot that the animal is given a name. Jones in “Alien.” Church in “Pet Semetary.” Spot in “Star Trek: Generations.” Orion in “Men In Black.” Mrs. Norris in “Harry Potter.” Midnight in “Catwoman.” Honorable mention goes to Thackery Binx, the boy in “Hocus Pocus” who is changed into a cat by the witches. However, in my opinion, one of the scariest scenes involving a cat does not come from a horror movie. Instead, it occurs on a wedding day. The scene is the office of Vito Corleone. He is a picture of power and malevolence, calmly stroking a cat as he accepts offers of tribute due to him as Don and patriarch of New York’s most powerful crime family. I hope y'all are enjoying the series!! Dr. Zik