Story: Robert Maitland (Harry Lewis) is a developer who has some grand plans for the land he has acquired in Africa, as he wants to build an experimental agricultural station. He has some assistance of course, including the help of his sister Judy (Allene Roberts), who believes fully in both of the project and her brother. But the area has been plagued of late by some kind of wild beast, some of whom believe is a killer panther, while others have more mystical thoughts in mind. Some of the locals working on the plantation believe that there is the spirit of a panther at work, via housemaid Losana (Lita Baron). The locals also have an issue with Bomba (Johnny Sheffield), who seems to be their best chance to take out the threats, whether beast or spirit.

Entertainment Value: This second adventure for Bomba is still brisk and light, but the journey to Panther Island is a much more entertaining romp. The original movie was a competent introduction for Bomba, but here the story can be more wide open and expansive, since the entire duration can focus on the panther thread. I think the main narrative works well and I appreciated the light mystical elements included, in regard to Losana potentially being connected to a panther spirit. Her presence also gives Bomba more to do, since he can not only have a more relatable love interest, but one that shares his vibe and sets up a potential romantic rival thread, which is fun to watch play out. This is once again a fairly short, brisk adventure that clocks in at seventy minutes and doesn’t have much filler. The b movie elements were also fun, as were the Bomba action scenes and his showdown against a stuffed animal version of a panther. I really enjoyed Bomba on Panther Island, it was more exciting and had more b movie vibes than the original and is recommended.

I think Johnny Sheffield once again shows he was the right choice for Bomba, even if his acting chops wouldn’t turn many heads. He has what the role needs however, a good look and a simple, but likable personality that might not be exciting in most scenes, but Sheffield is able to turn on the charm at times. In this sequel he is given a little more to do and more screen time, including some romantic plot lines. His exchanges with both of his potential romantic leads are fun to watch and show his charisma a little more than usual, especially in how direct and literal he handles those social interactions. I think he does quite well and serves as a capable lead here to anchor this movie, not to mention its numerous sequels. The cast also includes Allene Roberts, Lita Baron, Harry Lewis, and Charles Irwin.

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