Red Sundown

In the 1950's, Universal was cranking out these Audie Murphy and Rory Calhoun Technicolor oaters at a furious pace. Calhoun gets his turn here. He may not manage Murphy's hard-eyed stare, but he does well enough in the grim determination department. Then too, this feature was fortunate to get Jack Arnold away from mutant creatures long enough to lend the proceedings his cut-above-average direction.

So, can ex-gunslinger Calhoun stay away from guns long enough to keep his promise to dying buddy Millican. Notably, this was the latter's final film, and movie veteran Millican departs on a particularly poignant note, rare for any Western, A or B. Anyway, Calhoun has good intentions, but there're always the baddies who've got other ideas. Here, the pudgy but agile Westerfield naturally wants all the land, not just some, and Sheriff Jagger is not quite up to handling his gun-toting crew. So guess who he hires as deputy. Plus the sheriff's comely blonde daughter (Hyer) helps Calhoun make up his mind, despite his earlier promise.

Now Calhoun can handle heavyweight Westerfield as their surprisingly acrobatic barroom brawl shows. But can he handle professional gunslinger Williams (Swann), who appears to have been born with a perpetual sneer. This is Calhoun's real test, after which maybe he can at last keep his promise. But then Swann is one sly gunman. Here Williams goes against type since he usually plays a good guy. But the sneer is a good touch and speaks volumes.

All in all, it's a good little Western even if it never leaves greater LA (Thousand Oaks). Thanks to Arnold, however, the pace never drags, plus there's Millican's truly moving performance, worthy I think of at least a sagebrush Oscar.

Director Jack Arnold made a Name with the B's.

Sci-Fi Mostly but some Film-Noir and Westerns also.

This is an Unremarkable Vehicle that is Watchable.

But Not Much Happens after the First Act that Opened with a Good Shoot-Out and Resourceful Flourishes.

Arnold Stages a Good Bar-Fight but the Climax is Woefully Dull and By-the-Numbers.

Dean Jagger is Pedestrian as is Obligatory Blonde Female Martha Hyer.

Grant Williams' Debut as a Baddie Gunslinger makes an Impression as a somewhat Cliched "Grinning" Psycho.

Overall, a Professional Entertaining Effort from All Involved but when Rounded Up, it Corrals with the Slightly Above Average.

Note...For better or worse, mostly worse, it's another Movie that insists on inserting that 1950's mainstay, "Kids" that flooded the decade's Films in an ever-presence.

Alec Longmire (Rory Calhoun) used to be a gunman but he's sick of the life and plans on hanging up his guns and living a quiet life. However, when he comes into a new town, he notices that the sheriff (Dean Jagger) is in way over his head and Alec agrees to become the new deputy. It soon becomes obvious that there are two factions in town...one led by Henshaw (Robert Middleton) and the other ranchers who don't want to see him drive them all out!

The story here is very familiar and I am sure I've seen many dozen films where a guy gives up his guns....only to go back to them. I've seen even more westerns where a big bad boss (like Henshaw) trying to control everyone and drive the ranchers off their lands. But despite being VERY familiar, the acting is very good and production values nice...making it worth seeing.

A totally enjoyable Rory Calhoun western.

Rory can come across like he's dialing it in sometimes but with Red Sundown he seems to be really connected to the character.

Plenty of good action and an interesting story if nothing new.

The supporting cast are teriffic particularly Dean Jagger as the aging sheriff looking for his replacement.

Martha Hyer is also a nice addition to the movie adding some style and power to proceedings.

It doesn't have the long sweeping panoramic shots or the brooding mystery man, but it does have plenty to like about it.

A must for Rory Calhoun fans to enjoy :))

Grant Williams surprised me completely: He is simply magnificent as a Western bad guy. Even beyond his skill as a Western performer is his skill as a performer. In the one close-up scene with star Rory Calhoun, he steals it totally -- and Calhoun gives one of his own best performances.

Dean Jagger is the consummate professional, and proves that as a sheriff. Maybe he's never given a bad performance. Certainly I've never seen one. But he too surprised me.

James Millican is one of my favorites. Every time I see him, I get surprised anew at how perfect he seems in his role, whatever role it is.

Martha Hyer, though, is no surprise -- except to realize again just how perfectly beautiful she is, and how perfectly she fits her role, again, whatever role it is.

Veteran Trevor Bardette gives another of his classic performances, and we see the iconic John Doucette in a bit, but standing out, as always.

Equally iconic Leo Gordon has another small role, and just owns the screen whenever he is on it.

Robert Middleton is another surprise. He, too, is always perfect in whatever role, but as a Western bad guy? Yes! As I said, surprise. And he even has a fight scene! Extremely well done.

Even the music rates a 10, with the title song beautifully written and beautifully sung by Terry Gilkyson, of whom I had not heard, but obviously I should have: He has a long list of credits. The rest of the score is by the under-appreciated Hans J. Salter.

Directing and cinematography and editing are all top-notch, and the story, from a novel by the master, Lewis Patten, is therefore very well presented.

There is a good print at YouTube, unfortunately interrupted several times by commercials, something I ordinarily hate, but I guess it's the price to pay to see such a good movie.

I highly recommend "Red Sundown."