Cruise set to pledge loyalty and a cat as locals cash in

WHEN Tom Cruise marries Katie Holmes this weekend, like many a devout Scientologist, he may promise to provide her with “a pan, a comb, perhaps a cat”.

The formal wedding of the Hollywood stars takes place in Italy on Saturday.

In the old-fashioned language that marks the Traditional version, the groom is reminded that “girls” need “clothes and food and tender happiness and frills, a pan, a comb, perhaps a cat” — and is asked to provide them all.

The bride, in turn, is told that “young men are free and may forget” their promises.

Meanwhile, locals in the quiet Italian town of Bracciano have already taken after one of the actor’s most quoted lines: “Show me the money.”

Learning from the Jerry Maguire scene, residents around the imposing 15th-century Odescalchi Castle, which is rumoured to be the likely venue for the event on Saturday, are rushing to rent out windows and terraces overlooking the mansion to the media pouring into the location near Rome.

The Bracciano City Hall, which appears to be one of the better placed, is renting the windows of a nearby building with a view on the main entrance of the castle for €885.

Prices for other homes conveniently placed near the target location include a bargain €220.

A private terrace overlooking the likely route of the nuptial motorcade and castle’s internal parking was offered in exclusive to a TV news agency for a whopping €88,500.

Cameramen and photographers are also rushing onto rented helicopters, at disposal for the press at the cost of €1,500.