Winston T. Boogie
Senior HTF Member
This film is a beautifully shot and very intense psychological western that I think is sadly overlooked. Glenn Ford and William Holden headline a strange and violent film that really is a precursor to The Searchers and the westerns of Anthony Mann. I really think this film was ahead of its time in terms of subject matter and level of violence. I don't want to give away much about the plot but Ford plays a man that appears to have been driven to madness by the Civil War and can't control his urge to kill. Holden plays his best friend and former second in command that has become painfully aware there is something wrong with his friend. What plays out is a very nasty bit of business where Ford's character could explode in a murderous rage at any second and features some pretty fantastic acting from both Ford and Holden.
If you have not seen this film I highly recommend it and the current DVD does wonderfully show off the truly eye-popping color photography. Complex characters, an intense story, gorgeous color photography, and excellent acting headlined by Ford and Holden make this one not to miss and a film that would make for a stunning blu-ray.