United States

EVERY DREAM HAS A PRICE... HE PAID IT.
THE STORY OF A BOY'S JOURNEY TO MANHOOD. Joe Panther (RAY TRACEY) is a full-blooded Seminole Indian living in the lush Florida Everglades with his ever-loyal friend, Billy Tiger (A. MARTINEZ). With Joe's faithful dog Gator, they venture together into the mysterious Everglades in search of a giant alligator to fulfil a test Joe has been given - a battle of man against beast. The owner of a Miami-based sportfishing [sic] boat (BRIAN KEITH) gives Joe a job after the youngster proves he's dependable by catching the outsize 'gator. Meanwhile, the boys discover a smuggling ring headed by one of Joe's fellow workers on the boat, bad guys who are sneaking illegal Cuban aliens into the country. Suddenly a hurricane arrives. Billy Tiger is killed, and Joe is left with his remorse, but his uncle Turtle George (RICARDO MONTALBAN) helps set Joe back on the proper path. The movie is filled with exotic sights and sounds of a tourist mecca where Indians, ruffians, fishermen and sightseers intermingle. The dangerous hunt of the alligator is breathtakingly exciting, as are the many authentic scenes of the present-day Seminole Indians and their age-old battle for survival amidst the ever-fascinating scenery of the superb Florida Everglades.