The Nine Lives of Fritz the Cat

The Nine Lives of Fritz the Cat is a 1974 animated film directed by Robert Taylor. It is an adult animation featuring a series of drug-induced vignettes both related and unrelated to life in the 1970s. Starring Skip Hinnant as the voice of the titular feline protagonist , the film is a sequel to Fritz the Cat, the first animated film to receive an X rating in the United States. Unlike its predecessor, Nine Lives received an R rating. It was also less well-received by critics and audiences alike, although it has since gained an audience as a cult film.

Reception

The Nine Lives of Fritz the Cat was the first animated feature in Cannes history to compete as part of the official competition.

The Nine Lives of Fritz the Cat received negative reviews. Film website Rotten Tomatoes, which compiles reviews from a wide range of critics, gives the film a score of 50%.Time Out described the film as being "woefully inept," while Ralph Bakshi later contrasted Taylor's efforts to how his film might have turned out if prospective distributor Warner Bros. had been allowed to tone down the content of the film.

Both Fritz the Cat films are available on DVD through MGM Home Entertainment in the USA, and Arrow Films in the UK as part of a DVD box set entitled The Fritz the Cat Collection.