Fantastic western with many adult themes and a large cast very well handled by the great Anthony Mann. Highly credible due to excellent script seemingly very authentic and well researched, realistic locations, and solid performances by all actors. No silly comedy characters or sub-plots.
Modern in its use of a protagonist whose morality is grey. Remarkable for the dark vengeful character of the protagonist, McAdam, a vigilante in modern terms, verging on the psychotic. Observe the wild conflicted delight on his face while shooting dead attacking Indians. And again, in the finale reel, the single-minded unswerving passion with which he pursues his mission of vengeance.
Also the excellent psycho gunman portrayal by Dan Duryea (like a reflection of a possible future Stewart), and the very fine portrayal of the coward by Charles Drake. Even Shelley Winters (an actress I normally find unappealing and annoying) is good.
The final shootout is very well orchestrated, clearly showing the action and tactics used, and drawing us in.
- Rating: Exceptional
- When seen: 5 Jan 2011
- Where seen: Home, on iPad
- More information: IMDB | RottenTomatoes | Wikipedia
Amendments: Added writer tags: "Robert L. Richards, Borden Chase, Stuart N. Lake"; actor tags: "Shelley Winters, Dan Duryea, Stephen McNally, Charles Drake". Removed link to Wikipedia-sourced image. Added ranking image.
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