- Film Review
- Reviewed By Tony Sloman
-
4 out of 5
This was a marvellous swan song for Casablanca director Michael Curtiz, who died the following year. Indeed, much of this handsome western was actually directed by star John Wayne, in tandem with second unit director Cliff Lyons. The scale is substantial, and Curtiz fills the wide CinemaScope vistas with rip-roaring action. The Duke dominates the movie, but there's also lively support from Stuart Whitman as gambler Paul Regret, who's a pivotal character for the whole affair. The score is one of Elmer Bernstein's best and most elegiac, and there's a terrific star-building performance from Lee Marvin. A big hit in its day, this is the sort of sprawling western that died, alas, with its star.
Plot Summary
Western starring John Wayne. Texas Ranger Jake Cutter finds an unlikely ally in a tough gambler as he sets out on the trail of a gang of ruthless outlaws who are supplying arms and liquor to the Comanches.
Cast and crew
Cast
- Captain Jake Cutter
- John Wayne
- Paul Regret
- Stuart Whitman
- Pilar
- Ina Balin
- Graile
- Nehemiah Persoff
- Tully Crow
- Lee Marvin
- Amelung
- Michael Ansara
- Tobe
- Patrick Wayne
- Major Henry
- Bruce Cabot
- Melinda
- Joan O'Brien
- Judge Bean
- Edgar Buchanan
- Ed McBain
- Guinn "Big Boy" Williams
- Horseface
- Jack Elam
- Gireaux
- Henry Daniell
Crew
- Director
- Michael Curtiz
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