The Black Panther (1977 film)

The Black Panther is a 1977 British crime film. Its subject is the death of Lesley Whittle, a teenager kidnapped and murdered by criminal Donald Neilson, known as the "Black Panther". It was directed by Ian Merrick, his first feature, and stars Donald Sumpter, Debbie Farrington and Marjorie Yates.

Contents

• The black panther 1977 trailer
• Cast
• References

The film closely followed the events of the case. It was controversial on its release, and was strongly criticized by media figures such as Sue Lawley of Tonight. Subsequently the film was effectively banned. In 2012, the film was remastered, and resurrected into the British Film Institute Archives and Hall of Fame, as an important British film to rave reviews. John Patterson of The Guardian commented that The Black Panther "emerges as a meticulous, tactful, well made and highly responsible true crime movie".

Cast

Donald Sumpter – Donald Neilson

Debbie Farrington – Lesley Whittle

Marjorie Yates – Neilson's Wife

Sylvia O'Donnell – Neilson's Daughter

Andrew Burt – Lesley's Brother

Alison Key – Lesley's Sister-In-Law

Ruth Dunning – Lesley's Mother

David Swift – Detective Chief Superintendent