The cat in Stephen King's chilling Pet Sematary is named Church because his owner, Louis Creed, claims he is named after the former British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill. This detail is mentioned early in the film, approximately nine minutes into the narrative.
The Origin of Church's Name
Louis Creed, the protagonist of Pet Sematary, provides the reason for the feline's unique name. By associating the cat with a historical figure like Winston Churchill, known for his resilience and strength, the name "Church" adds a subtle layer of depth and perhaps a touch of grim irony to the cat's role in the unfolding supernatural events of the story.
Bringing Church to Life: The Feline Actors
To portray Church effectively throughout the film, especially given the various actions and transformations the character undergoes, a significant effort was put into casting and training the animal actors.
- Multiple Actors: A total of seven blue British Shorthair cats were acquired for the production.
- Specialized Training: Each of these cats was meticulously trained to perform specific actions for the camera, allowing for a wide range of movements and expressions required by the script. This approach ensured that the filmmakers could capture all the necessary scenes, from a typical house cat's demeanor to its more sinister manifestations.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Number of Cats | Seven |
| Breed | Blue British Shorthair |
| Training Method | Each cat specialized in performing particular actions |
| Filming Technique | Allowed for complex and diverse feline performances throughout the movie |
More About Church in Pet Sematary
Church is not merely a pet but a pivotal character in Pet Sematary. Originally the beloved family cat of the Creeds, his death and subsequent resurrection in a mystical burial ground set off a chain of horrifying events that underscore the novel's central theme: "Sometimes dead is better." The cat's eventual return as a changed, malevolent entity serves as the first terrifying indication of the power and danger of the ancient burial ground.
For more details on the film and its production, you can explore the Pet Sematary (1989) Trivia on IMDb.
