In this excellent, eerie sequel to Jacques Tourneur's CAT PEOPLE, a widower, Oliver Reed (Kent Smith), the father of the introverted six-year-old Amy (Ann Carter) remarries. Lonely and curious, Amy begins to explore her late mother's life and discovers her maternal bloodline is cursed. In her dreams she visits her alluring but devilish mother (Simone Simon) and learns her people become panthers when their blood is aroused. In addition Amy makes friends with Julia (Julia Dean), an elderly actress who lives in a spooky old Victorian next door, and begins competing for her affection with Julia's real daughter, Barbara (Elizabeth Russell). Director Robert Wise's debut (codirected with Gunther von Fritsch) concentrates on childhood fantasy more than suspense and horror. A haunting film nonetheless, CURSE OF THE CAT PEOPLE, with its ethereal dream sequences, is beautifully chilling.