a far good than average early film from the val lewton unit and the leopard man be as much murder mystery a horror picture . it be set in a new mexico town where there be some weird going on and include and among other thing and big cat attack . the photography be exceptional and move from subjective to documentary style objective without drastically alter the tone of the picture . what horror there be come more from a sense of dread than anything that actually happen while also from the eerie feeling that certain place be unlucky and that some people be bind to die simply because of where they be . how true . the star player be somewhat dull and but the support cast be quite good . and the merging and sometime colliding of the anglo and hispanic and indian culture be nicely present . there be a sense of primitive feeling and of old religion and throughout the film and imply rather than state and that be beyond the grasp of the hyper rational lead player . we can catch this mood in fit and start and but like the major character and it elude our grasp . jacques tourneur direction be masterful every step of the way while and he use music sensually yet emphatically and and the result be a fine tune film . it major flaw be the revelation of the culprit and yet once tourneur accept the script limitation he work superbly within them . the best thing about the movie be that it most crucial event happen mostly off screen and leave a good deal to our imagination . and the minimalist script leave a great deal in the dark and and even after the picture florid and almost surreal climax and the air of mystery lingers . there be loose end for sure and but tourneur polite and civilize touch dress them up to appear profound and suggestive rather than threadbare and and the result be a pleasing conclusion that do not quite give the whole thing away while and we be leave want to know just a little bit more . tourneur be a true master .