I thought of the same thing when I saw the film: Alan Ladd a perfect substitute for Alain Delon.

The cat, as Ladd describes, lives alone and doesn't need anybody. Like Ladd's character, it's a stray creature that lives dependently and yet deep down craves for affection.
The bird remains in a cage, never freeit's enslaved to its environment, like Delon is to his profession.
Interesting observation. Also both find themselves attached to female nightclub entertainers.
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-_\<,_ ___(*)/ (*)____ nec spe, nec metu
Jean Seberg & Little Irene:
http://i.imgbox.com/3ZH6KeBR.gif

I love the different symbolic purposes of the animals.
The cat, as Ladd describes, lives alone and doesn't need anybody. Like Ladd's character, it's a stray creature that lives dependently and yet deep down craves for affection.
The bird remains in a cage, never freeit's enslaved to its environment, like Delon is to his profession.
And Delon definitely "borrowed" Ladd's look. The relationships they share with the main female (who won't incriminate them) are similar as well.
"
if that was off, I'd be whoopin' your ass up and down this street.
" ~ an irate Tarantino

All good comments. But come on, admit it, Le Samurai was way better than this.

I don't doubt it for a minute.
I saw Le Samourai first but it all just seemed so familiar the first time I saw This gun For Hire: the loner, a cold-hearted, paid killer with a soft spot for animals.

melville was probably influenced by this film

I noticed that Alain Delon wears the same trench coat and hat in Le Samouri as Alan Ladd in TGFH.
They are both silent types. They have a similar apartment and a relationship to a pet that shows a tender side to the hired killers. A bird in the case of LS.
And oh yes they are both hired killers.
What, me worry?
Alfred E. Neuman