Customer Reviews

Big Cat [VHS]

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Operating with a limited in number but generally talented group of eight actors, director Phil Karlson, soon to be known for his essays into noir, here creates an engrossing adventure film set in 1933 depression and drought wracked southern Utah, and incorporates many of the elements which later will prove vital to his deserved reputation as an important narrator of urban crime. Residents of a small secluded valley are being tormented by a large mountain lion which, due to a shortage of water, has invaded their region to prey upon livestock, and the bounty for the beast of $150 is coveted by two long-feuding neighbours, one of whom, Tom Eggers (Preston Foster) provides a place to live for a city-bred young man (Lon McCallister), the son of the former love of his host and also the nephew of Eggers' rival, Gil Hawks (Forrest Tucker). The well-crafted scenario includes elements of romance, suspense and humour to the basic plot, and a certain darkness of tone has raised the work above most others of its stamp, with crisp editing (Karlson and Harvey Manger) prevailing, and we enjoy particularly fine performances from Foster and McCallister, with a pleasingly large role for veteran character actor Irving Bacon, a standout as a farmer doubling as a preacher.

This film rates 5 stars from me because of its star...Lon McCallister....an underrated youth from many 1940's motion pictures.

This film holds your attention because of McCallister's performance.

It is in color and the story is effective and moves swiftly. It is action packed as well.

I bought this movie because it holds a special place in my heart. Preston Foster and Forrest Tucker turned in their usual wonderful performances. I especially liked their fight scene. The Big Cat was causing real problems with the area ranchers and had avoided being put out of commission. It has been a while since I viewed this movie as I purchased it while Mom was still living. So I watched it with her probably in 2004. Her and I saw it when it first came out in 1947 so it is special as we viewed it at a theater when we went to visit friends several miles from our home. To see the huge scratch on the stock of the rifle Preston Foster was carrying when the cat attacked him was chilling. Mix in romance of the sweet and innocent variety and a good old fashion setting out west and you have a great movie.