by Ted Davis

Directed by: Hugo Fregonese

Cat Out of the Bag Alert! This review contains some spoilers for this film!

Synopsis: The last movie produced by Val Lewton, best known for the series of horror thrillers released by RKO during the 1940s, which includes Cat People (1942) and The Body Snatcher (1945). The small western town of Spanish Boot is besieged by overwhelming numbers of Apache braves, who are rebelling against the punitive policies of the United States of America. Among the townspeople threatened with summary extinction by the angry mob are cynical gambler Sam Leeds (Stephen McNally) and sturdy and dependable Mayor Joe Madden (Willard Parker), both of whom are competing for the dainty hand of Sally (Coleen Gray), who manages the local eatery.

Cat Burglar (Scene Stealer): In the early moments, good-hearted water peddler Chacho (Chinto Guzman) pours fresh leche into a shallow platter for a sweet grey tabby kitten with an expressive tail to lap up. Unfortunately, this moment of kindness is interrupted by the nearby flurry of gunshots that spooks the meow-kitty, which streaks out of frame.

Final Mewsings: The kitten was not listed among the many casualties of Spanish Boot, and thankfully neither was Chacho.

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