Memorable, crazy movie

Excellent but underrated film

At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

The film creates a perfect balance between action and depth of basic needs, in the midst of an infertile atmosphere.

NOT THAT STAR Gary Cooper couldn't handle a film of the Western genre, we can't help but wonder if this entry into Warners' considerable inventory of "oaters" wasn't perhaps an older, unused project that may well have been intended for Errol Flynn. Coop was certainly up to the occasion and did keep us interested.COMPLEMENTIG THE MAIN character in fine, true support are some of the guys who are synonymous with Warner Brothers. Although cast somewhat against type and somewhat hidden behind some extensive facial hair, we find no less than: Raymond Massey, Jerome Cowan and Steve Cochran. Added to this group, we find one of our favourites, Reed Hadley as Wild Bill Hickok, no less.THE STORY IS an amalgam of types as far as mood goes; an element that s common in many WB pictures. Looking back and in retrospect, it must have been successful and served the studio well.PLENTY OF WHIMSY and a total disregard for any historical accuracy are hallmarks that somewhat echo events portrayed in THE OKLAHOMA KID ("Sooners" settling the former Indian territory), DODGE CITY (Railroad coming West), THE SANTA FE TRAIL ("Bleeding Kansas" & John Brown), THEY DIED WITH THEIR BOOTS ON (George Armstrong Custer). It also added DALLAS to the lit of pictures named after particular cities; e.g., CASABLANCA, DODGE CITY, VIRGINIA CITY.WE WERE WONDERING if Jack Warner & Company ever did one called "BAKERSFIELD?"

The cast is perfectly chosen, and Warners' Technicolor production values are top-notch. It's one of Gary Cooper's best westerns of the 1950s, and that's saying a lot, because he made several good ones during this particular decade. What works so well is the interplay between Cooper and Leif Erickson who play men on opposites sides of the law that switch places. The story isn't as contrived as it sounds, and there is some excellent humor in the situations the performers mine like gold, without overplaying. Ruth Roman was never photographed more beautifully than she is in this picture, and it's easy to see why two strong-willed men would be vying for her attention. Raymond Massey is on hand as the villain, and this time he enacts wicked schemes with an equally villainous younger brother (Steve Cochran). Cochran's role is written with less comedy than the others, but even he manages to bring out the more humorous aspects of his character's situation without being too gimmicky. There are several brilliant sequences, but perhaps the best one involves Cooper, Cochran and a black cat on a nighttime street that leads to a killing.

Gary Cooper is a cool headed guy. Always liked his easy going level headed characters. As some others have commented, there are some oddities in the script, such as a US Marshall who got his job and can't even hit a barn with a pistol. A rancher with about thirty hands but can't seem to keep his cattle from being run off.But there is plenty of the quick thinking, straight shooting Cooper to keep you entertained.This movie was made in 1950. People in their 20's and 30's have trouble understanding those movies were made for entertainment not Oscars. To expect Oscar material does this film injustice. It is about the good guys finding a way to round up the bad guys.So rent, borrow, or buy this movie, pop some corn and enjoy the Coop one more time.

This is one of the most ridiculous westerns that Hollywood ever made. Gary Cooper plays 'Reb Hollister', a former confederate officer wanted by the law. He meets up with a moron named Weatherby, played by Leif Erickson, who is a U.S. Marshal with no knowledge of firearms. Weatherby is on his way to Dallas to see his fiancee, Tonia Robles, played by Ruth Roman. Senor Robles, Tonia's father, has plenty of men, but they can't seem to be able to keep an eye on his cattle, which are regularly rustled by the Marlow brothers. Will Marlow, played by Raymond Massey, has financed the loan on the Robles estate, making things completely absurd. He even has the power to call for mortgage payments before they're due, simply because he feels like it.Since Weatherby is a Boston boy who can't fight, since he only became a Marshal so he could visit his fiancee, Tonia, (Just another instance of more plot nonsense. Are we to assume that you only have to pass a written test to get this job? Wait a minute, this guy couldn't pass the written test either.) he switches identities with Reb Hollister, who of course is an expert gunman. Reb takes the liberty of greeting Weatherby's girl with a passionate kiss, while Weatherby looks on like an idiot. Gary Cooper, Hollywood's number one stud, is in fine form here as Reb. Before the movie's done, not only does he take Weatherby's job, he steals his fiancee also, and Ruth Roman as Tonia, falls for him so hard and so fast that she gives chump Leif Erickson the brush-off before the films little more than half over.There isn't a shred of plot credibility in the whole film, so despite the good cast and lush photography, the film is a dud. And Cooper's character is a complete heel to boot. The film also stars Barbara Payton as Brant Marlow's girl, a beautiful and talented actress who squandered away her chances, unfortunately, by making too many headlines for the wrong reasons. I strongly suggest you pass this one up.