City of Bad Men

Probably my favourites from director Harmon Jones whose CANYON RIVER was also excellent. But concerning this one, I don't know why, there is something that I like. Characters symphony, story, and the cast, so prestigious for such a small western: John Doucette, Leo Gordon in one of his earliest roles; and of course Richard Boone. I would say: forget Dale Robertson. Yes, I definitely have tenderness for this western, for its charm, despite the fact that there is not that much surprise in the end. Only enjoy the watch. I forgot that Twentieth century Fox made such small films in the fifties, and not only Universal, Republic or Paramount. One of the most offbeat showdown in the western history. Besides TERROR IN A TEXAS TOWN of course.

"City of Bad Men" is unusual in that although much of the film is fictional, the setting is quite real. In 1897, Carson City, Nevada, of all places, hosted the heavyweight boxing championship of the world! The story begins as the two boxers, Jim Corbett and Bob Fitzsimmons are in training there in Nevada...readying themselves for this match.

In the midst of all the hubbub associated with the match, Brett Stanton (Dale Robertson) and his gang of thugs arrive. It seems Stanton is from Carson City but he and his men have been gone six years and they chose now to return. At the same time, two other gang leaders are in town and between the three gangs, there's no way the Sheriff and his men can maintain order. So, the Sheriff makes an odd proposal...that the three gang leaders be deputized to help him maintain order....which sounds rather nutty! What's next? See the film.

While I did find some of the plot tough to believe, particularly Stanton's actions and motivations, I did enjoy the film and the final confrontation with Ringo was pretty amazing...and exciting. Overall, however, I really liked the film for one big reason...it lacked most of the usual clichés you expect in westerns.

This movie essentially begins with a small group of mercenaries, who had fought on the losing side in the Mexican Civil War, riding back to the United States with very little to show for their efforts. So, to remedy that situation, their leader, "Brett Sullivan" (Dale Robertson) has come up with a plan for them to rob the bank in the sparsely populated town of Carson City, Nevada and then ride off before any of the villagers can do anything about it. Unfortunately, when they finally ride into town, they are shocked to discover that it has grown quite a bit since they were there six years earlier. Not only that, but it also just happens to be hosting a heavyweight boxing championship that is bringing in visitors from all around as well. So, rather than continuing on with their earlier plan, Brett quickly devises a new scheme that involves stealing the $100,000 prize fund from the boxing match instead. But to do that, he must also contend with two other gangs of outlaws who share a similar interest in this money as well. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that this was an okay Western which benefited from solid acting from several actors including Richard Boone (as "Johnny Ringo"), Lloyd Bridges ("Gar Stanton"), Jeanne Crain ("Linda Culligan") and the aforementioned Dale Robertson. One slight criticism I have is that it also contained a number of sub-plots which, I believe, could have used a bit more development. But that's just a minor issue. Be that as it may, I thought still thought it was good enough for the time spent and I have rated it accordingly. Average.

Technicolor Studio A-Western with a Good Cast and an Off-Center Story of Bad-Men Planning to Rob the Gate at a Heavyweight Championship Bout in Carson City.

Dale Robertson Posing a Solid Figure is a bit Stiff as the Good-Bad Leader of His Bunch and Richard Boone as "Johnny Ringo" the Head of a Rival Gang makes a Slimy Villain.

Lloyd Bridges has a Meaty Part as Robertson's Brother.

Somewhat Plodding but Original Take on the Western in the Decade of Westerns.

The Romantic Triangle with the Beautiful Jeanne Craine and Carole Matthews Doesn't Amount to Much.

The Tension Builds Steadily in the Over-Crowded Town.

Leading to a Good Climax with the Robbery and Attempted Getaway.

Overall, the Off-Kilter Story and Luscious Production Helps this one Rise Above.

The Enormity of Westerns on the Big and Small Screen in the 1950's.

The Corbett-Fitzsimmons fight of 1897 draws to Carson City every outlaw of the territory, eager for the pickings. But Brett Stanton has bigger ideas! Like robbing the box office of a high profile prizefight.

City of Badmen is an unusual western, mainly due to its setting - a prizefight- as well as being a caper. It's a fairly intriguing western with enough conflict and some intelligent dialogue. A little talky at times and it takes a little time to get going, but it does draw you in, at least mildly. The best acting is from Dale Robertson who has a conscience and is conflicted over his criminal life - he clashes with his brother (Lloyd bridges) as well as Richard Boone, who, in no surprise, is the heavy. If you like unusual westerns with a unique setting and characterisation, then City of the Badmen is right up your creek.

A great deal of care has been taken to ensure authenticity in the settings of the period and details concerning the fight. The boxing style itself has changed so radically since 1897 that John Day and Gil Perkins, who are seen as Corbett and Fitzsimmons, trained industriously for their boxing scenes to create the authentic style. A veteran stuntman, Gil Perkins has staged some of the most exciting fights in screen history (John Wayne and Randolph Scott brawl in The Spoilers comes to mind)