Cast
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Sidney Blackmer
as Police Commissioner Thatcher Colt
Rick Vallin
as Anthony 'Tony' Abbot (as Ricki Vallin)
Byron Foulger
as Everett P. Digberry
Herbert Rawlinson
as District Attorney Bill Dougherty
Lynn Starr
as Miss Spencer
Barry Bernard
as Capt. Edgar Walters / Frank Galloway
Trude Rosen
as Nina Politza
Thornton Edwards
as Enrico Lombardi
John Ince
as Police Captain Mike Flynn
Martin Ashe
as Officer Murphy
Walter James
as Police Captain Tom Henry
Frank Darien
as Samuel Wilkins
Joseph DeVillard
as Antonio Spogucci (as Joseph M. De Villard)
Jacques Vanaire
as Guiseppe Bartarelli (as Jack Vanaire)
Willy Castello
as John Martin George (as William Castello)
Crew
Director
- William Beaudine
Producer
- Lester Cutler
Reviews
CinemaSerf
As cheap and cheerful B-features go, this is actually quite quickly paced and entertaining. It all centres around wig-maker "Digberry" (Byron Foulger) who is apprehended up to no good in a cemetery after hours. His explanation makes little sense to the police officer - he is being blackmailed by the mysterious "Panther" into leaving $1000 on the graveyard of one of his aunts. Turns out that he is not the only recipient of such a letter - many of his friends have also, and this leaves Police Commissioner "Thatch" (Sidney Blackmer), and his sidekick "Abbott" (Rick Vallin) to try to get to the bottom of things. The story is a bit far-fetched, but Foulger is on quite good form as the plot offers intrigues from the operatic to a bit of skull-wiggery, and it passes 70 minutes effortlessly. The ending is a bit obvious, but still - it shows what can be done with a tiny budget if the story is decent and the performances are too.
Jun 26, 2022
Thematic Analysis
The Panther's Claw represents a fascinating example of Thriller/Mystery/Crime cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director William Beaudine brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1942, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Panther's Claw took approximately 29 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 70 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 115 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The costume department created over 481 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The musical score contains over 73 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1942, when this film was released:
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Panther's Claw shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Dard Divorce, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Panther's Claw subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Bangkok Dangerous and The Flock explore similar territory, The Panther's Claw stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: March 3, 1942
- Runtime: 1h 10m
Where to Watch
