Vigilante Terror

This is a serious 50's B-western gussied up quite nicely to seem more sophisticated and grand than what would normally be expected. It seems in large measure like a big-name A-picture, but without technicolor, strong love interest, and main character inner-struggles. Bill Elliott has taken on a job to do and he does it with precision and with his usual stoicism. And so do the bad guys!

Carefully planned camera angling and movements and unobtrusive music, especially during heightened moments of excitement, indicate production has moved beyond the 1940's. A number of long-sweep scenes give an air of sophisticated cinematography and direction, such as when the rabid mob push their intended string-ups around the far corner, through the street, and up toward the sheriff's office.

This is a film with few light moments. And although there is a lot of calculation and considered decision making demonstrated by the leading characters, unbridled horse action is plentiful, as is extensive gunplay. There are some good moments for sure in this one for fans of B-westerns...some experts peg 1953 as the final year of the genre'. By the way...Did I miss Wild Bill mentioning that he is a "peaceable man?"