"Track of the Cat" was an ambitious effort from legendary director William Wellman who described it as a black and white film in color. And yes the scenery is gorgeous on the wide CinemaScope screen showing a snow covered scenario where the story takes place.
A dysfunctional family lives on a remote snow-covered ranch somewhere in Colorado, we are led to believe. The family is headed by a bible thumping self serving old woman (Beulah Bondi) whose dominated husband (Philip Tonge has turned to drink, a defeated man. Their three sons, Arthur (William Hopper) is a peace loving easy going man, Curt is like his mother, is a domineering bully and young Harold (Tab Hunter) is a milquetoast who Arthur sticks up for. Also there is a spinster sister Grace (Teresa Wright) who is also dominated by her mother and Curt. House guest Gwen Williams (Diana Lynn) is seen as Harold's future wife. An old Indian Joe Sam (Carl "Alfafa" Switzer) is a ranch hand whom Curt detests.
The animals on the ranch are restless and a prowling big cat is suspected. Curt and Arthur ride out to investigate and discover that indeed there is a large cat feeding off of their cattle. As they pursue the cat, it flees to the high country so Curt has to return to the ranch for additional supplies. While there he manages to harass Gwen and belittle Harold. Meanwhile Arthur continues the chase but is killed by the cat. When Curt returns he sends back Arthur's body on his horse leaving himself on foot.
Back at the ranch the family is shocked by Arthur's death and arrangements are made to bury him. Curt meanwhile, continues the hunt. He sees signs of the cat but is unable to corner him. Staying out in the blowing cold he soon begins to unravel. Having lost his food and becoming increasingly nervous, he sees the beacon fire coming from the ranch and flees toward the fire but falls over a cliff to his death. At the ranch Gwen continues to prod Harold into becoming a man. Then they decide to send Harold and Joe Sam out in search of Curt and....................................................................................................
The whole cast fit perfectly into their roles. Mitchum is totally unlikeable from his first appearance getting out of "the wrong side of the bed" to his untimely death. You have to believe that at some point he would have tried to take Gwen unto himself. Bondi is equally unlikeable as the double standard Mother. Hunter in one of his best roles, is good as the younger brother with no backbone. Diana Lynn and Teresa Wright do what they can in limited roles. Tonce as the alcoholic father gives a convincing performance as a man who has thrown in the towel. But the biggest surprise, at least to me, was ex Our Gang member Switzer in his best post Gang role as the old Indian Joe Sam. He is barely recognizable in heavy make-up. This should have lead to better roles for him but unfortunately did not. He would die tragically only a few years later.
Wellman's decision not to show the cat only heightens the suspense. As Mitchum tracks him, we expect the cat to leap out of the bushes at any moment. And by the way was the cat a black panther or a cougar. Unless I miss the mark, panthers are not usually found in that part of the world.
A dysfunctional family lives on a remote snow-covered ranch somewhere in Colorado, we are led to believe. The family is headed by a bible thumping self serving old woman (Beulah Bondi) whose dominated husband (Philip Tonge has turned to drink, a defeated man. Their three sons, Arthur (William Hopper) is a peace loving easy going man, Curt is like his mother, is a domineering bully and young Harold (Tab Hunter) is a milquetoast who Arthur sticks up for. Also there is a spinster sister Grace (Teresa Wright) who is also dominated by her mother and Curt. House guest Gwen Williams (Diana Lynn) is seen as Harold's future wife. An old Indian Joe Sam (Carl "Alfafa" Switzer) is a ranch hand whom Curt detests.
The animals on the ranch are restless and a prowling big cat is suspected. Curt and Arthur ride out to investigate and discover that indeed there is a large cat feeding off of their cattle. As they pursue the cat, it flees to the high country so Curt has to return to the ranch for additional supplies. While there he manages to harass Gwen and belittle Harold. Meanwhile Arthur continues the chase but is killed by the cat. When Curt returns he sends back Arthur's body on his horse leaving himself on foot.
Back at the ranch the family is shocked by Arthur's death and arrangements are made to bury him. Curt meanwhile, continues the hunt. He sees signs of the cat but is unable to corner him. Staying out in the blowing cold he soon begins to unravel. Having lost his food and becoming increasingly nervous, he sees the beacon fire coming from the ranch and flees toward the fire but falls over a cliff to his death. At the ranch Gwen continues to prod Harold into becoming a man. Then they decide to send Harold and Joe Sam out in search of Curt and....................................................................................................
The whole cast fit perfectly into their roles. Mitchum is totally unlikeable from his first appearance getting out of "the wrong side of the bed" to his untimely death. You have to believe that at some point he would have tried to take Gwen unto himself. Bondi is equally unlikeable as the double standard Mother. Hunter in one of his best roles, is good as the younger brother with no backbone. Diana Lynn and Teresa Wright do what they can in limited roles. Tonce as the alcoholic father gives a convincing performance as a man who has thrown in the towel. But the biggest surprise, at least to me, was ex Our Gang member Switzer in his best post Gang role as the old Indian Joe Sam. He is barely recognizable in heavy make-up. This should have lead to better roles for him but unfortunately did not. He would die tragically only a few years later.
Wellman's decision not to show the cat only heightens the suspense. As Mitchum tracks him, we expect the cat to leap out of the bushes at any moment. And by the way was the cat a black panther or a cougar. Unless I miss the mark, panthers are not usually found in that part of the world.