The Iron Sheriff

This is a must-see Western if only because of the great, intricate, surprise detective- story plot. It was terrific to see Sterling piece together bits of evidence, going from one suspect and plot revelation to the next.

The cast was certainly good, filled with well-known character actors of the time. Yet the film lacked in action and direction. Sterling seemed bored and expressionless. Still the plot made up for everything.

One unimportant thing in the film seemed unnecessary, bothered me and threw me off: John Dehner, who did his usual swell performance, played the important role of Sterling's son's defense attorney, and he was drinking liquor throughout the movie. I was afraid he'd get drunk and ruin the defense, but nothing came of it.