In this episode, we take a nostalgic (and slightly bewildered) look back at Disney’s 1978 live-action sci-fi comedy The Cat from Outer Space. Inspired by classic “fish-out-of-water” shows like Bewitched, I Dream of Jeannie, and My Favorite Martian, this forgotten Disney film features a talking alien cat, a magical collar, horse racing, pool hustling, and a surprisingly stacked cast of familiar TV faces.

We break down the plot, the performances, and the sheer absurdity of a Disney movie where an extraterrestrial cat needs $120,000 worth of gold to repair his spaceship—and somehow ends up gambling to get it. Along the way, we discuss Disney’s post-Walt transition years, why so many 1970s Disney films feel like made-for-TV movies, and whether this movie holds up today (spoiler: probably not).

If you love nostalgic deep dives, forgotten Disney films, or just the idea of a cat from outer space with secret powers, this episode is for you.

What We Talk About in This Episode

• Why magical, otherworldly TV shows were so popular in the 1960s and 70s
• Disney’s strange creative period after Walt Disney’s death
• The full (and chaotic) plot of The Cat from Outer Space
• The alien cat Jake and his very powerful collar
• Gambling, horse racing, and pool hustlers… in a Disney movie
• The surprisingly strong TV-star cast, including Ken Berry, Sandy Duncan, Roddy McDowell, and Harry Morgan
• How this movie compares to later “alien stranded on Earth” stories like E.T., Starman, Lilo & Stitch, and Men in Black
• Whether this film is worth revisiting today—or introducing to your kids
• The cult appeal and odd legacy of this forgotten Disney title

Why This Movie Still Matters (Sort Of)

The Cat from Outer Space may not be a classic, but it’s a fascinating snapshot of Disney trying to find its footing between the death of its founder and the animation renaissance that began with The Little Mermaid. It’s weird, it’s dated, and it’s undeniably charming in a very 1970s way.