I saw this western for the first time in 1996 and it struck me as being an excellent movie. Years later I saw it again in 2006 and still had the same view, I have since watched it 3 more times.
This is without a doubt for me Yul Brynner's best film (from what I have seen). I am not really a fan of his, but in this movie he gives a truly commanding performance that stands out. From the opening moment you see him hoisting himself onto the roof of the moving carriage to sit at the front by the driver, until the ending where he makes Brewster (The town's crooked boss played by Pat Hingle) kneel and admit his ways, it is compelling viewing. The sexual tension between Brynner and Janice Rule simmers below the surface. The moral issues explored such as racism in the town are quite weighty although they are more implied than rammed down your throat. Also Union and confederate allegiance issues exist in this town even after the war is over.
Matt Weaver(played well by a young George Segal) returns home from the war to find his house sold out from under him. Then he is wrongfully accused of murder and the town having been whipped up into a frenzy by Brewster, decide to hire a gunfighter to kill him. The job is eventually taken by Brynner, and there is an interesting twist where the tables are turned when the town feel the gunfighter is not earning his money.
This film kept me fully entertained with its strong performances from the three leads and other decent performances too from the rest of the cast. Although this is not one of the all time great westerns it is certainly one not to miss and any western fan should seek it out. 7/10
This is without a doubt for me Yul Brynner's best film (from what I have seen). I am not really a fan of his, but in this movie he gives a truly commanding performance that stands out. From the opening moment you see him hoisting himself onto the roof of the moving carriage to sit at the front by the driver, until the ending where he makes Brewster (The town's crooked boss played by Pat Hingle) kneel and admit his ways, it is compelling viewing. The sexual tension between Brynner and Janice Rule simmers below the surface. The moral issues explored such as racism in the town are quite weighty although they are more implied than rammed down your throat. Also Union and confederate allegiance issues exist in this town even after the war is over.
Matt Weaver(played well by a young George Segal) returns home from the war to find his house sold out from under him. Then he is wrongfully accused of murder and the town having been whipped up into a frenzy by Brewster, decide to hire a gunfighter to kill him. The job is eventually taken by Brynner, and there is an interesting twist where the tables are turned when the town feel the gunfighter is not earning his money.
This film kept me fully entertained with its strong performances from the three leads and other decent performances too from the rest of the cast. Although this is not one of the all time great westerns it is certainly one not to miss and any western fan should seek it out. 7/10