Movie spotlight
The police arrest a man climbing over the wall of a cemetery after midnight. He claims that he is being blackmailed and is following instructions he received by mail to leave $1000 on a certain grave. It turns out that he's not the only one who got a blackmail letter from the same person--calling himself "The Black Panther"--and it also turns out that all the recipients are connected to an opera company.
A private detective is hired by a wealthy woman to investigate the disappearance of her husband and the theft of valuable jewels. As he delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of deceit, betrayal, and murder involving a cast of suspicious characters, all while a mysterious panther seems to stalk the periphery of the investigation.
Upon its release, 'The Panther's Claw' was a modest B-movie offering, typical of the era's crime dramas. It received competent, though not outstanding, reviews, praised for its atmospheric suspense and straightforward mystery elements, while some critics noted its formulaic nature. Audience reception was generally positive for its intended genre entertainment.
Praised for its atmospheric noir elements and suspense.
Felt to be a well-executed, if predictable, crime mystery.
The plot kept audiences engaged with its twists and turns.
Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce for this older film, but those available generally appreciate its classic detective story and period feel.
The film's title is derived from a significant plot point involving a valuable necklace called 'The Panther's Claw'.
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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 ...