LEOPARD IN THE SNOW

(director: Gerry O’Hara; screenwriters: Anne Mather/novel by Anne Mather/Jill Hyem; cinematographer: Michael Reed; editor: Eddy Joseph; music: Kenneth V. Jones; cast: Keir Dullea (Dominic Lyall), Susan Penhaligon (Helen James), Jeremy Kemp (Bolt), Yvonne Manners (Bessie), Gordon Thomson (Michael Framley), Billie Whitelaw (Isabel James), Kenneth More (Sir Philip James), Peter Burton(Mr. Framley); Runtime: 89; MPAA Rating: PG; producer: John Quested; New World (Harlequin Publishing); 1978-UK/Canada)
“The only surprise is that it’s not as bad as I thought it would be.”

Reviewed by Dennis Schwartz

Brit action director Gerry O’Hara (“Fanny Hill”/”The Bitch”/”Maroc 7″) helms an old-fashioned romance story that’s based on the novel by Anne Mather. Jill Hyem and the author confer on the screenplay.

Because of a snow storm Helen James (Susan Penhaligon) has to abandon her wrecked car in the northern English town of Cumberland Falls. The attractive Helen is rescued by an American former race driver named Dominic Lyall (Keir Dullea), who just happened to be taking a stroll in the woods with his pet leopard. The laconic recluse, who dropped out of the racing circuit because of an accident that left him with a permanent limp, lives nearby in his isolated home with his leopard. This chance meeting brings about a romance between the strangers, who must overcome some very difficult emotional problems.

The weepie woman’s pic left me dry-eyed.

The only surprise is that it’s not as bad as I thought it would be.

REVIEWED ON 3/23/2015 GRADE: C+