StunnaKrypto Self-important, over-dramatic, uninspired.

Nonureva Really Surprised!

GarnettTeenage The film was still a fun one that will make you laugh and have you leaving the theater feeling like you just stole something valuable and got away with it.

Chirphymium It's entirely possible that sending the audience out feeling lousy was intentional

kcterrell-25046 A Sturgis masterpiece. The story and the soundtrack are somewhat contrived, But outstanding performances by Douglas, Quinn, and Jones. The sets, the costuming, and the makeup in this film are all perfect. The accessories are all true to the time, and kudos to the gaffers, leaving no stone unturned to making this nice movie completely believable. The only scene to the contrary is the bar room scene when Douglas fires six shots and yet forces all of the men at gunpoint into the next room. Jones' performance is greatly unappreciated as the femme fatale to both protagonists. At times, the makeup accentuates her wide white eyes, and in the final scene, the eyeliner lets her blue eyes be captured on the wide screen like the movies of an earlier era. I only wish I could see this movie on a big screen, because that is how Sturgis directed the movie to be seen. It is refreshing to see so much attention to detail in a Western movie, that should be admired and seen more than once to fully appreciate the small things.

dougdoepke Despite the big names—Quinn, Douglas, director Sturgis—the western's nothing special. The story starts off powerfully with the assault and murder of Matt's wife; at the same time, the suspense is built into the soured friendship between Craig and Matt since it's Craig's son Rick (Holliman) who's perpetrated the assault. Now Matt wants to bring him to justice despite dad's opposition. On the other hand, Carolyn Jones' shady lady fits in somewhere. Trouble is that like too many A-oaters of the time, this one suffers from bloat as producers load up with stars and extended runtime, likely to compete with TV. Then too, the plot's clearly derivative from the preceding year's 3:10 To Yuma, as other reviewers point out. And that's even down to the extended hotel scene, which unfortunately sags the middle part. All in all, it looks like the production may have been a hurry-up since the action is mainly confined to Paramount's backlot.That's not to say the movie is devoid of positives. Douglas brings his usual intensity, while Quinn makes a persuasive adversary. But I especially like the underrated Earl Holliman who was so good at callow youth. Then too, it's the most glamorous I've seen Carolyn Jones who usually got supporting roles. Anyhow, the suspense is dragged out not too effectively right down to the clichéd showdown. Frankly, it's oaters like this that make me appreciate the small-budget Ranown series of tight, taut, Randolph Scott westerns, e.g. The Tall T (1957). Perhaps that's why-- unlike the Ranowns-- this A-List effort has since drifted into obscurity, despite the big names.

AaronCapenBanner Kirk Douglas plays Marshal Matt Morgan, whose wife is attacked and murdered by Rick Belden(Earl Holliman) who turns out to be the son of an old friend(played by Anthony Quinn) Rick had left his distinctive saddle behind, and Matt goes to visit the senior Belden, who is happy to see him, until he learns the reason for the visit. Though sympathetic for his loss, and furious with his son, he outright refuses to allow his son Rick to be extradited. Being a rich cattleman now, he practically owns the town, and after Matt arrests Rick, takes measures to prevent his son being tried and likely hanged, no matter the cost...Exciting and well-acted film also has first-rate direction from John Sturges, and a good supporting performance from Carolyn Jones as Linda, the sympathetic(and cynical) woman who is also fed up with the corrupt Belden family. Her quote "The human race stinks!", still resonates...

mformoviesandmore If you consider the basic plot summary - murder, revenge, Marshall who is friends with cattle baron whose son is part of the problem, one man against them all - you might think that this would be a cookie cutter western.But it rises above the pack with the calibre of the acting, the subtle differences in the story and the quality of the production.Douglas is in fine form - physically and in talent. Quinn is the cattle baron portrayed without the b-grade script recital we often get from such roles.Better than the original 3:10 to Yuma, and miles better than the remake with that awkward and ludicrous run-to-the-train scene.This is cowboy film making as it should be.