The Cat and the Canary is a melodrama in three acts written by John Willared in 1921. It was made into a number of movies: A silent film in 1927, a sound remake in 1930, a Spanish language remake also in 1930, a 1939 version with Bob Hope, a Swedish television film in 1961, and a British film in 1979.
John Willard (1885-1942) was a Playwright, Screenwriter, Actor and Author. He is best remembered for his play The Cat and the Canary in which he played the part of Harry Blythe. The play enjoyed a long Broadway run in 1921-22.