Track Of The Cat (1954)

When a predator black panther begins decimating the cattle of a secluded snowbound ranch, the eldest son (Robert Mitchum) takes it upon himself to hunt the predator down. But internal conflicts within the dysfunctional family may be more of a threat than the killer cat. Based on the novel by Walter Van Tilburg Clark (THE OX BOW INCIDENT) and directed by William A. Wellman (THE HIGH AND THE MIGHTY). A very unusual western in that with the family drama in the forefront, it seems like a play. With the exception of the actual tracking of the cat (exteriors filmed in Mt. Rainier in Washington state), Wellman limits the action to the interior of the family kitchen area and even the exterior scenes outside the house are clearly shot on a soundstage. As a western, it plays out more like LONG DAY'S JOURNEY INTO NIGHT than HIGH NOON. Shot in color and CinemaScope, Wellman and his cinematographer William Clothier (FORT APACHE) use a monochromatic color scheme so that the film has a B&W look to it with only Mitchum's red jacket giving the occasional burst of color. The acting ranges from excellent to good across the board. Even Teresa Wright, normally an actress I dislike, as the old maid sister gives a strong performance. A brooding western worth your time. With Tab Hunter, Diana Lynn, Beulah Bondi, William Hopper, Philip Tonge and Carl Switzer.