Bomba and the Killer Leopard

To 'the fringe of the African jungle' comes Fred Winters in search of diamonds and Linda Winters his wife in search of him. A dodgy Cockney guide Charlie Pulham helps Fred and Bomba the jungle boy (well man now in his penultimate film) helps Linda. There is also a killer leopard on the loose to complicate matters. A good film in the Bomba series with Johnny Sheffield being a gentle soul as usual until roused. The supporting cast including the under appreciated Leonard Mudie do well. Dominating the movie is the great Beverly Garland as Linda, who brings Hollywood glamour into Bomba's life. (That swimsuit!) There is a theme of Linda in some ways liking Bomba's jungle life but in the end preferring a celebrity existence but it's not developed much, like the tiny spark of flirtation between Linda and Bomba.

"Killer Leopard" is a pretty forgettable movie. The only thing it has going for it is a dreamy Beverly Garland. Garland is a sight to behold. I couldn't take my eyes off her. The rest of the cast is fine. The weakest member is actually Bomba himself, Johnny Sheffield (with his too short bathing suit/loin cloth). But for me, this movie is all about Beverly Garland. I know I'll end up watching this movie again because of her.

What can you say about a jungle adventure wherein the best performance is given by a leopard via stock footage? Johnny Sheffield's penultimate "Bomba" vehicle has the teen Tarzan tracking a bloodthirsty black leopard through the African wilds while an American movie actress needs Bomba's help in finding her embezzler husband (in the country to illegally acquire some hot diamonds). Sheffield, his loincloth hiked-up to cover his navel, tussles with the titular beast but otherwise doesn't get any exciting scenes here. Cheapie is typically over-saturated with stock footage and stock villains. Pretty Beverly Garland brings the picture some class, though she isn't allowed any personality and literally treads water while following Sheffield's lead. *1/2 from ****

Beautiful blonde movie star Beverly Garland (as Linda Winters) is in Africa, looking for her handsome wayward husband, Donald Murphy (as Fred Winters). After embezzling some money, he wants to pilfer an African diamond mine. Her marriage may be "on the rocks," and Ms. Garland wonders whether or not she is still "in love." Bomba (Johnny Sheffield) meets Garland and becomes her guide during the search. A nasty black, cross-eyed "Killer Leopard" wanders around, causing extra danger for the cast. This penultimate episode of "Bomba the Jungle Boy" certainly reveals the series to be long in the saber-tooth (unless, like most, you knew that already). Mr. Sheffield appears more miscast than ever, reciting boyish dialogue to Garland after they take a swim. Garland wears a modest one-piece and she is the film's highlight. ** Killer Leopard (1954-08-22) Ford Beebe ~ Johnny Sheffield, Beverly Garland, Donald Murphy, Barry Bernard

The Killer Leopard is one of the later Bomba movies Johnny Sheffield appeared in. He was in his twenties when he starred in this. In this one he helps a movie star, played by Beverley Garland (It Conquered the World), to look for her husband in the jungle. He is on the run after committing several crimes in Britain. The search though is hampered by a rather unfriendly black leopard which seems to enjoy killing people. Bomba does kill it at the end though and the movie star successfully finds her husband, after some of his party are killed. I was lucky to obtain a copy of this movie as it is quite rare to get hold of, as are all of the Bomba movies. Watch this if you get the chance. I quite enjoyed it. Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.