- Film Review
- Reviewed By David Parkinson
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4 out of 5
Although this simmering - and occasionally self-consciously camp - western from director Nicholas Ray subverts its notoriously conservative genre, the real purpose of his study in mob hysteria was to condemn the Communist witch-hunt then tearing Hollywood apart. Heavy with symbolism, Philip Yordan's script also crackles with repressed sexuality, as saloon owner Joan Crawford and vicious cattle queen Mercedes McCambridge cross swords over land and men (while eponymous hero Sterling Hayden laconically strums his guitar). Providing Crawford with one of her best roles and gloriously shot in Trucolor by Harry Stradling, this baroque bonanza fascinates on so many levels that it demands to be repeatedly viewed and reviewed.
Plot Summary
Cult western starring Joan Crawford, Sterling Hayden and Mercedes McCambridge. Old conflicts and passions erupt when glamorous saloon owner Vienna employs the mysterious Johnny Guitar to help in her on-going battles with the local settlers.
Cast and crew
Cast
- Vienna
- Joan Crawford
- Johnny Guitar
- Sterling Hayden
- Emma Small
- Mercedes McCambridge
- Dancin' Kid
- Scott Brady
- John McIvers
- Ward Bond
- Turkey Ralston
- Ben Cooper
- Old Tom
- John Carradine
- Bart Lonergan
- Ernest Borgnine
- Corey
- Royal Dano
- Marshal Williams
- Frank Ferguson
- Eddie
- Paul Fix
Crew
- Director
- Nicholas Ray
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