Don't expect any of the feline-charged characters in Jacques Tourneur's 1942 Cat People to be sporting a PVC push-up bra like Halle Berry in the new Catwoman. And forget about the snapping ligaments and blatant nods to incest that pervade Paul Schrader's 1982 version. Instead, Tourneur's film is imbued with shadowy suspense and repressed sexuality. His romantic thriller follows the love affair between a mysterious Serbia-born woman Irena and an all-American nice guy Oliver. Determined to make the marriage work, Oliver displays monumental patience with his wife, who believes that she's under an ancient village curse that makes her morph into a killer panther every time she's turned-on or pissed-off. This film doesn't have to show its claws with blood and gore because the psychological torment is enthralling enough. The only thing missing is a killer Bowie theme song.

On the venereal horror front, David Cronenberg's 1977 Rabid was recently released on DVD, complete with director's commentary. Watch again as former porn star Marilyn Chambers infects Montreal with the virulent phallic member throbbing in her armpit.