Reprisal! (1956)
8/10
Above average Western with social message
26 July 2022
George Sherman is no famous director, but he does a splendid job of not rubbing the honorable social message contained in the film in anyone's face. Guy Madison delivers a superb performance, even if I found it tough to see him as a half-breed.

Beautiful Felicia Farr is the woman any man dreams of, not just physically, and she has the right principles but even she finds Madison allegedly sleeping with a squaw especially humiliating. Otto Hullet, as sheriff Dixon, has a wonderful part as the sensible and evenhanded lawmaker, who ultimately delivers the best line in the movie when he says the town wants Madison to live there "as a man."

Short but impressive display from Edward Platt as the older of the three murderous brothers.

Interesting contradictory feelings portrayed by Michael Pate, as the white man with a white wife who cannot let go of his Indian mistress.

Good cinematography. Definitely worth watching, especially for the clever and even subtle social message it conveys.
0 out of 1 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink

Recently Viewed