Track Of The Cat - 1954
Cats: Set Your Recorders, Mitchum, Western|One of the bleakest westerns you will ever see. As far as 50’s westerns go, the family in this picture is as dysfunctional as the Lohan’s. A repressed affection withholding mother; a delusional alcoholic father lusting after the youngest son’s fiance; a sister growing old spinsterish and bitter; one older responsible, moral brother, one younger brother a bit of a sap and trying to lay low during the family dramas; and the middle brother Robert Mitchum.
The action takes place in a snowbound ranch where a panther has been attacking the livestock. In the middle of the night the brothers are awoken by Joe Sam, a native American ranch hand. He ain’t going to get this cat, it is a dangerous business tracking this cat. And the first big snow storm of the winter has struck with a vengeance.
Although the picture was shot in color it almost looks black and white. The scenery and, except for one red coat, the costumes are almost devoid of color. Director William Wellman wanted it this way. The storm outside the house obviously reflecting the storm inside the house.
Not really for the kids. This is what a western would be like if Chekov wrote the screenplay. Interesting note is that Joe Sam, the elderly native American ranch hand was played by a 27 year old Carl Switzer. Some of us fondly remember Carl Switzer as Alfalfa in “The Little Rascals”. Strange casting.
November 7 at 12:30PM on Turner Classic Movies
November 11th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
Sounds like a great flick to watch with the entire family during the holidays. Kind of It’s a Wonderful Life, but on a ranch, no?
BTW What character did Lindsey play in the picture? She’s hot.