Again, a well-scripted tale with so many intriguing dialogue scenes, plot twists, location shooting (including a mini"road trip" feel between Matt and Anderson) that you can't believe it was all contained within a 50-minute running time. That's a sign of a well-crafted script and expert direction.
John Barrymore, Jr. Is not the most convincing actor...at least not initially. But there's an intensity and focus to his presence that really seems to grow as the story progresses, especially in his scenes with James Arness. And the script keeps you guessing as to the character's true motives. Again, the signs of effective direction and writing.
However, considering the cunning and boldness of Anderson (Barrymore) in pursuit of the $5K reward, you would hope he would have covered all his "bases" in the set-up, ie: made sure that Sturney's gun would not be found fully-loaded...which means that the bullets found in the partner's corpse would have been from ANDERSON's (not Sturney's) gun. But then again, I guess ya' can't think of everything...!
An observation: Anderson's story about his horse farm and his shady activities to earn enough money to go back and buy it strongly resemble Sterling Hayden's story in the classic "Asphalt Jungle" from 1950. Too bad it didn't work out for either of them, because AT HEART their goal was a noble one.
Also-- the Festus/Doc "PIE" scene was really funny; now THAT's the way to do these "comic relief" bits...whimsical, subtle, and absolutely spot-on in performance (and I loved the director's touch in that restaurant scene.. with the cowboys riding by on horseback out in the darkened street. SO MUCH could be accomplished in glorious B&W by an imaginative director and cinematographer).
ALSO-- Dennis Hopper's death scene was very realistic; THAT's how a body reacts when being shot. (Director' Lewis' touch again? Most likely).
LR.
John Barrymore, Jr. Is not the most convincing actor...at least not initially. But there's an intensity and focus to his presence that really seems to grow as the story progresses, especially in his scenes with James Arness. And the script keeps you guessing as to the character's true motives. Again, the signs of effective direction and writing.
However, considering the cunning and boldness of Anderson (Barrymore) in pursuit of the $5K reward, you would hope he would have covered all his "bases" in the set-up, ie: made sure that Sturney's gun would not be found fully-loaded...which means that the bullets found in the partner's corpse would have been from ANDERSON's (not Sturney's) gun. But then again, I guess ya' can't think of everything...!
An observation: Anderson's story about his horse farm and his shady activities to earn enough money to go back and buy it strongly resemble Sterling Hayden's story in the classic "Asphalt Jungle" from 1950. Too bad it didn't work out for either of them, because AT HEART their goal was a noble one.
Also-- the Festus/Doc "PIE" scene was really funny; now THAT's the way to do these "comic relief" bits...whimsical, subtle, and absolutely spot-on in performance (and I loved the director's touch in that restaurant scene.. with the cowboys riding by on horseback out in the darkened street. SO MUCH could be accomplished in glorious B&W by an imaginative director and cinematographer).
ALSO-- Dennis Hopper's death scene was very realistic; THAT's how a body reacts when being shot. (Director' Lewis' touch again? Most likely).
LR.