Not Bad

Sheila Beers
This is the sort of film that has to grow on a person. I found the black and white sets to be symbolic of the struggle between good and evil in the film, and the snow added to the "chills" the viewer is feeling as the suspense builds. The panther, described as black, is the embodiment of evil. I also found the tales and bits of wisdom dispensed by the 100-year-old Indian, played by Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer, added to the supernatural atmosphere.

Agreed, I certainly wouldn't call this a "bad" movie as some people have. I'll admit I was slightly underwhelmed the first time I saw it, especially being a huge fan of Wellman's earlier Western "Yellow Sky". But I saw it again recently and got into its rhythms and rather enjoyed it. Yeah, it's a bit stagey at times, but I liked how it cut back and forth from the home scenes to the cat-tracking scenes in the wilderness - it helps to break up the melodrama and let us get some fresh air. And the old Indian character gave it a kind of offbeat, creepy vibe. Definitely an unusual Western, but I think a pretty good one.

it's got a great mood.



A day without sunshine is like, you know, night.