Track of the Cat

Track of the Cat is a 1954 film directed by William A. Wellman and starring Robert Mitchum and Teresa Wright. The film is based on a 1949 adventure novel of the same name by Walter Van Tilburg Clark. This was Wellmans second adaptation of a Clark novel, the first being The OxBow Incident. Track of the Cat was produced by John Wayne and Robert Fellows for their WayneFellows production company.

Their ancient Native American hired hand Joe Sam Carl Switzer alerts the family to a panther prowling the hills. Many years before his family was wiped out by a panther. Joe Sams superstitious dread of the panther irritates domineering Curt. Curt and Arthur split up to track the panther while the family tensely awaits their return.Gentle Harold tries to avoid conflict with his parents while Gwen tenderly encourages him to assert his claim to an equal share of the ranch. Although Grace tries to support her youngest brother and his fianc, Ma Bridges spews hateful suspicion at Gwen, but she ignores the familys histrionics calmly for Harolds sake. ........

Source: Wikipedia