Heaven with a Gun

I became a movie buff at age 13, (now 63), and would have crawled to the local theater over broken glass, to see any cowboy movie showing, if I had to. By the time I was 16 years of age, I was a devout Randolph Scott, Audie Murphy fan, but when I saw "Heaven With A Gun", Glenn Ford instantly became my number 1 cowboy hero, and me old mates Randolph and Audie had to take a back seat. For me, due to the humble, yet determined character Glenn Ford played so beautifully, this movie offered some great moralistic encouragement, and at the same time, stimulated an enthusiasm to believe in myself against all odds and "stick to my guns", as the expression goes. You will relate to this expression if you watch the movie. If anybody knows where I can buy this difficult-to-purchase movie, please let me know. (noel@youngnoel.com). I would do absolutely anything to add this movie to my collection. If you want to be truly entertained, this is a "Must-see" movie.

Glenn Ford turns in a fine performance, contrary to what some have said. Who better to portray a reluctant hero, a reformed gunfighter/preacher? Clint Eastwood--John Wayne? Don't be ridiculous. Ford is perfect for the part, just as Clint was perfect for the Man with No Name and Dirty Harry, and the Duke was perfect for the lead role in The Cowboys and True Grit. If you don't like Glenn Ford, fine. But don't belittle his acting. I'm a fan of Eastwood and Wayne, but Ford is a better actor than either. David Carradine turns in a top notch acting job also as a villain/foil to Ford as hero. True Western fans will appreciate this film.

A late 60's western about ruthless cattle ranchers and their ranch hands who terrorize helpless sheep ranchers, with the action alternating between the range, the ranch, and the town, itself with a thriving saloon/brothel where a lot of the action is centered. Into this arrives an ex gunfighter turned preacher played by Glenn Ford who wants to bring peace. The script nearly does the film in, although the story and late 60's permissiveness keep one watching. As well, even though the screenplay verges on being ridiculous, the acting by Ford, John Anderson (as the ruthless big cattle rancher with a sadistic son played by David Carridine) and some other parts (J.D. Cannon chews some serious scenery as hired gun Mace) elevate the entertainment quotient, and the film's ending doesn't make one feel remorse about watching this.

After a solid first hour, "Heaven With a Gun" thins out and becomes slightly more than routine. The movie could have used less sadism and sensationalism; while a topless Angelique Pettijohn is appreciated, gratuitous nudity tends to put off the very audience attracted to this kind of western. Carolyn Jones is nearly wasted, and I really wanted to know more about her prior relationship with Ford. Barbara Hershey does a fine job as the half-breed Hopi whom Ford protects. Ford and Hershey's relationship could have also used a little more sexual tension; and Hershey, to her credit, seemed ready to provide it.

Production values are good, if not spectacular, and director Lee Katzin, while no Sergio Leone, keeps things moving nicely.

"Heaven With a Gun" is a cut above most of Glenn Ford's later western. Too bad MGM didn't put a little more into the story and running time.

I give "Heaven With a Gun" a weak "7".

It's looks like a deja vu on Ford's way, likes in "The Sheepman" he has to handling this matter again, this turn he is a sort of gunfighter and pastor, trying to make peace among them, the old stars like Ford and Jones appear newcomers as David Carradine & Barbara Hershey promissing actors to next generation.

Meanwhile we have the fine John Anderson as angry rancher and Noah Beery Jr. Who seem to be enough mind to realise such killing, apart that the saloon's girls garnish the picture with some rare nude scenes in werstern in this period, really the time is changing!!

Resume:

First watch: 1990 / How many: 4 / Source: TV-DVD / Rating: 7.