The Man from Laramie

Jimmy Stewart re-teams with director Anthony Mann for this interesting western as he plays Will Lockhart, who is driving supplies to his employer Barbara Waggoman(played by Cathy O'Donnell) who is waylaid by ruthless and vicious Dave Waggoman(played by Alex Nicol) son of local cattle baron Alec Waggoman(played by Donald Crisp) who is apologetic to Will, and offers to reimburse him the full value of his loss. He accepts, but retains a grudge against Dave, and continues to work for Barbara, as he also pursues the person who is selling guns to the local Apaches. Arthur Kennedy costars as Alec's right hand man, who ends up helping Will. OK western is well acted and exciting, though the story has certain weaknesses in logic and motivation that weaken it. Still, worthwhile viewing despite these problems.

Will Lockhart (James Stewart) come to Coronado, a town owned by the powerful Alec Waggoman (Donald Crisp), to deliver some supplies to the store Barbara Waggoman (Cathy O'Donnel) and investigate the murder of his brother, a soldier killed with his patrol by the Apaches, trying to find who is supplying rifles to the Apaches. He has a problem with Dave Waggoman (Alex Nicol) and Vic Hansbro (Arthur Kennedy), respectively the spoiled son and right arm of Alec, but is supported by Kate Canady (Aline Macmahon), the former fiancée of Alec and owner of the Half Moon Farm. "The Man from Laramie" is a great classic western with a tale of greed, revenge and justice. This highly recommended movie is excellent, with great performances and direction and wonderful landscapes. My vote is ten. Title (Brazil): 'Um Certo Capitão Lockhart' ('A Certain Captain Lockhart')

The fifth of five western collaborations between actor James Stewart and director Anthony Mann is certainly one of their finest. Plot involves Army Captain from Laramie doing business in the small town of Coronado, but in reality seeking revenge for the killing of his brother by Apache Indians using rifles purchased from wealthy local ranchers. Adapted from a magazine serial by Thomas T. Flynn (later published in book-form), this no-nonsense outdoor adventure is surprisingly gripping, with no-holds-barred violent action and a solid supporting cast. Stewart gives yet another first-rate performance in a genre that was especially good for him, however Cathy O'Donnell was an odd choice for a (subtle) love-interest. Charles Lang's splendid cinematography needs to be seen in the widescreen format to capture its grandeur (this was one of the very first westerns shot in CinemaScope). An entertaining film, and capped with a nifty theme song. **1/2 from ****

James Stewart rides the vengeance trail as he comes to a dusty New Mexico town in search of a gun runner whose wares were used by raiding Indians that led to his brother's death. Stewart is grim and determined in this beautifully filmed western to square matters with his unknown quarry and meets with hostility and indifference at every turn. The film has touches of extreme violence which was unusual for its time. The story is packed with suspense and tension as Stewart's Will Lockhart seeks his personal retribution. Along the way, Lockhart is befriended by a pretty girl and a strong-willed female rancher who are sympathetic to Lockhart's quest. Another sub plot has a cattle baron, his neurotic son, and a ranch foreman riding rough-shod over other ranchers and townspeople. Arthur Kennedy and Donald Crisp head a great cast of veteran western character actors, and a nod goes to Aline MacMahon for her portrayal of the plucky ranch woman.

Director Anthony Mann and actor James Stewart combined to make several westerns and they were all very good. Make that "excellent." This is one of them and it gets high marks for an involving story. It also features what I call "realistic dialog," along with interesting characters and a film noir feel to it. That's no surprise since Mann directed a few film noirs. Along that noir theme, be warned this is not an upbeat story, a feel-good Jimmy Stewart film that most people remember him by. In here, he's a vengeful guy here (but, yeah, still a good man at heart). Donald Crisp also demonstrates an overt double-edged sword, so to speak, being a very gruff but fair land owner. Some of the best lines in the movie are delivered by Ailine MacMahon, an older woman friend who helps Stewart. Cathy O'Donnell plays the female romantic lead but is a bit on the bland side, frankly. Good story.....solid western.....deserves to be better known. Buy the DVD. It''s cheap. You won't be sorry.