Based on Dr. Seuss' classic children's book, Fanning and Breslin star as Sally and Conrad, siblings who couldn't be more different. Where Sally's completely organized and in control, Conrad's a troublemaker who has practically driven his mom, Joan (Kelly Preston), crazy. Forced to leave the kids alone in the house on the day of a big party, she issues strict orders to behave. While babysitter Mrs. Kwan (Amy Hill) naps in the den, the kids are left with nothing to do - that is until The Cat in the Hat shows up to shake up their world.
DAKOTA FANNING (‘Sally’)
How tough was it to play someone who is super organized?
Well, that’s me (laughing). It’s definitely me.
So this character is really close to your own personality?
Yes, it is.
Your character likes to make lists to tell people what to do. Is that something you really do?
No, not really. I love to make lists of cast and crew members, actually.
What do you do with those lists?
It helps me kind of memorize everybody’s names.
What was it like to work with Mike Myers?
He’s the nicest guy in the world. We had such a great time.
What was your favorite scene to film?
When he turns into a plumber because it was so unexpected. Like I forgot about it and it’s like, “Oh that’s a great scene! Oh my gosh!” I love that scene.
And last but not least, what was the first Dr. Seuss book you read?
It was “The Cat in the Hat.”
SPENCER BRESLIN (‘Conrad’)
Did you have a good time working with Mike Myers?
It was so much fun. On the set I, actually in real life, I had to have my appendix removed – I know, it’s kind of peculiar. While we were filming, I had to run to the hospital. So you know what he did for me? He had a framed jersey of my favorite player signed and sent to me - a football jersey.
Your character is a troublemaker. Are you a troublemaker?
Sometimes. I think Conrad and I don’t think before we do something and the difference is, I don’t have a 6 foot tall talking cat cleaning up after me.
I hear your stair scene was one of your favorites. What can you tell me about filming that scene?
That was so much fun. I did part of it and then my stunt double did part of it where you see him coming out of the house.
Did you have to do any special training for that?
We had to do about three weeks of training.
Have you done it since the movie?
I have not done any stunts since the movie (laughing).
So you haven’t ridden down any more stairs?
Not in the past couple of weeks (laughing).
And you just finished working on “Raising Helen.” What’s your role in that movie?
I play the boy ‘Henry,’ who is one of Kate Hudson’s nephews. That was very fun. And my little sister actually gets to play sister with me, so that’s very cool. I love being able to work with my family, so it’s really great to get a chance to do that.
AMY HILL ('Mrs. Kwan'):
What was life like on the set of “The Cat in the Hat?”
Life was long. It seems like very long days. We came in early in the morning, did the make-up, sat there all day, and after about three months, it seems to just get longer (laughing).
Bo Welch was a first-time director. How do you think he did?
He was wonderful. He gave me so much freedom to grow. There was always the ability to talk to him. He’s a really relaxed, fun guy. I had a great time with him.
Was it easy to get into the Dr. Seuss world with all the special sets ?
Yes, I wanted to live there (laughing). I didn’t want to leave but they made me go back to my trailer.
What do you think younger audiences will get from this? There’s definitely a lesson in it.
There’s a lesson. I think the lesson really is to be the best ‘you’ that you can be. Just to listen to yourself and be yourself, and love yourself. It’s a really sweet, sweet movie.
"The Cat in the Hat" Premiere Interviews:
Mike Myers, Kelly Preston, Alec Baldwin and Sean Hayes
Additional Resources:
”The Cat in the Hat" Premiere Photo Gallery
”The Cat in the Hat" Production Photos
"The Cat in the Hat" Trailer, Cast List, and Movie News
