Nagagutsu o Haita Neko (1969, JAP) C-80m. SCOPE **½ D: Kimio Yabuki. Starring (the voices of) Susumu Ishikawa, Toshiko Fujita, Rumi Sakakibara, Asao Koike. Japanese version of the popular Charles Perrault fairy tale PUSS'N BOOTS (also English title) about a clever cat who turns a poor farmer's son into a nobleman to win the heart of the princess. Along the way he has to beat one of her suitors, none other than the Devil himself. Fairy tale is surprisingly Disney-like (including some songs!), animation has some good, funny ideas, though plot lacks spark. Hayao Miyazaki was one of the animators, and it shows in the scenery and architecture. Has acquired a cult following, especially in German-speaking countries, where the original East German dub is apparently lost. Followed by two sequels in 1972 and 1976. Also known as THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF PUSS 'N BOOTS.