The Oklahoman

Francis D Lyon (1957)

79min

U Certificate

Review

Our Score

by Tony Sloman

Allied Artists made its budgetary intentions for this western clear by casting a too-old Joel McCrea in the lead opposite Barbara Hale (Della Street from TV's Perry Mason), and then spending nothing on the latter's wardrobe (watch very closely). The screenplay's nothing either, as doctor McCrea befriends a native American girl and her father and upsets some of the townsfolk in the process. Director Francis D Lyon was a superb editor (Rembrandt, Things to Come, Body and Soul), but became a director of truly staggering mediocrity.

Summary

A kindly doctor whose wife died in childbirth makes a new home for himself and his baby daughter in a backwater town. He tries to protect a local Native American village from a greedy rancher trying to take their land, leading him into a fatal confrontation. Western, starring Joel McCrea and Barbara Hale.

Cast & Crew

Dr John Brighton Joel McCrea

Ann Barnes Barbara Hale

Cass Dobie Brad Dexter

Maria Smith Gloria Talbott

Charlie Smith Michael Pate

Mrs Waynebrooke Verna Felton

Mel Dobie Douglas Dick

Jim Hawk Anthony Caruso

Director Francis D Lyon

Other Information

Language: EnglishColourTheatrical distributor: Panton Film Dists Ltd

Drama

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Francis D Lyon (1957)

Review

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