What to KnowDocumentary Film Screening: Room 8 with Tail Town CatsNov. 16 at 6:30 p.m.$10Tail Town Cat Cafe in Pasadena1780 E. Washington BoulevardAuthor Brenda Rees will also discuss her new book “Room 8: A Cat in the Classroom — Photographing LA’s Most Famous Feline”; the book features “never before seen” images taken by photographer Richard Hewitt for the famous “Look Magazine” articleAdoptable cats will be in attendance at the screening and Q&A
Mid-century Los Angeles had several notable hallmarks, including spectacular space-age architecture, huge soundstages awash with Technicolor musicals, and a mild-mannered tabby cat who became an unlikely star, thanks in large part to a pictorial in a major national magazine.
That feline’s whimsical and meaningful name? Why Room 8, of course.
Room 8 was named for the classroom he frequented at Elysian Heights Elementary School, a place he stayed close to for several endearing years.
Of course, he remained closer to the hearts of the children, teachers, and parents who grew to love him, and remember him still.
A documentary by filmmaker Scott Mabbutt remembers Room 8, and the schoolchildren who delighted in his low-key and lovable presence.
“Room 8” will screen at Tail Town Cat Cafe in Pasadena where, oh yes, you’ll get to watch it in the presence of home-needing felines.
Adding to the Room 8-inspired celebration? Author Brenda Rees will join a Q&A about her new book “Room 8: A Cat in the Classroom —Photographing LA’s Most Famous Feline.”
The talk will surely alight upon Richard Hewett’s wonderful photographs for “Look Magazine,” and the 1962 pictorial that brought Room 8 to nationwide, and even worldwide, attention.
You can purchase a book at the event, but be sure to buy your $10 ticket to the screening ahead of time; Room 8 fans are understandably numerous, and the evening will find several Room-8-ers in the house.
If you were a student at Elysian Heights during the Room 8 era, you are encouraged to attend the screening.
That era stretched over much of the mid-century, with Room 8 sticking close to the school starting in 1952. He passed away in 1968 and is buried at Los Angeles Pet Memorial Park in Calabasas; a moving marker tells his tenderhearted tale.
Though many Los Angeles locals were lucky enough to know him when they attended Elysian Heights, people around the world have been touched by Room 8’s loyalty, friendliness, and quiet ability to inspire.
Tickets are available at this page; just scroll down to find the Nov. 16 and a link to purchase admission.
Updated Nov. 11