The Leopard Man

The Leopard Man is a 1943 horror movie directed by Jacques Tourneur and starring Dennis O'Keefe, Margo, and Jean Brooks. The movie is based on the novel 'Black Alibi’ by Cornell Woolrich. The story is set in a small town in New Mexico in the 1940s.

Kiki Walker (Jean Brooks) is a nightclub dancer who is hired by a publicity agent Jerry Manning (Dennis O'Keefe) to perform with a black leopard. However, things go wrong during the performance, and the leopard escapes. The leopard goes on a killing spree, and people in the town start to panic as they fear for their lives.

Jerry Manning is determined to catch the leopard and repair his damaged reputation in the process. However, as he investigates the attacks, he discovers something more sinister is behind them. He realizes that the killer may not be the leopard but a human.

The Leopard Man is a psychological thriller, exploring the fear of the unknown and the uncontrollable. It depicts how fear can spread like a disease, and how it can make people turn on each other. The cinematography by Robert De Grasse is outstanding as it creates a sense of tension and foreboding throughout the film.

All the characters are well-developed, and the leading trio of actors deliver impressive performances. Dennis O'Keefe plays the role of Jerry Manning with charm and charisma, and Jean Brooks, as Kiki Walker, adds a layer of mystery to the movie. Meanwhile, Margo portrays a grieving mother who lost her daughter in an attack, and her scenes are memorable and emotional.

The film's score by Roy Webb adds to the film's eeriness and suspense. The use of silence is also effective, as it creates a sense of unease.

Tourneur successfully creates an atmosphere of terror and dread in The Leopard Man. The film is a psychological thriller that explores the innate human fear of the unknown, and the consequences it has on society.

In summary, The Leopard Man is a classic horror movie that still retains its power to frighten and entertain nearly 80 years after its release. It is a must-see for fans of the genre and cinema enthusiasts in general.