NR | 1h 29m | Drama, Western | 1956
Some of the greatest Westerns have featured this classic theme: a mysterious man arrives in a small, remote town. This man has a troubled past he is trying to escape; you might say he is a reluctant hero.
The movie kicks off with several devious-looking scallywags riding into a small town. Among them are Taylor Swope (John Dehner) and Dink Wells (Noah Beery Jr.), led by the main antagonist, Vinnie Harold (Broderick Crawford). Vinnie is obsessed with proving that he’s the fastest gunman alive.
Immediately upon arrival, Vinnie sets his sights on Clint Fallon (Walter Coy), a local man reputed to be the fastest draw in town. Despite Fallon’s reluctance and his clear desire to avoid conflict, Vinnie is determined to challenge him. Fallon tries to back out, but Vinnie’s provocation leaves him no choice. The tension mounts as the townsfolk watch.
When the inevitable duel ensues, Fallon is tragically outmatched, ending up dead as the gun smoke clears. This display sets the film’s tone, showcasing Vinnie’s ruthless quest for dominance and establishing the setting that the reluctant hero enters.
Nearby, in the town of Cross Creek, George Temple (Glenn Ford) has recently moved in and set up a general store. George was incredibly fast with a gun and forced into countless duels with men eager to test their mettle against him. But now he’s adopted a new, quieter life. He and his wife Dora (Jeanne Crain) are expecting their first child.
The men of Cross Creek see George as unmanly, with his refusal to carry a gun and his work at the general store. Local blowhard Harvey Maxwell (Allyn Joslyn) is particularly vocal, constantly slinging condescending remarks at George whenever they cross paths.
Strong Cast
The cast for this film sets it apart from many other similarly themed westerns. Broderick Crawford gives a convincing performance as a hardened gunslinger. His burly frame and jowl-cheeked face make him seem like someone nobody in their right mind would want to mess with. Crawford’s portrayal of Vinnie Harold is both menacing and compelling, showcasing a man driven by a relentless pursuit that isn’t far from madness.Glenn Ford delivered a character-driven performance unique among his other performances. Aided by realistic back-and-forth dialogue that often has people talking over one another, Ford’s portrayal of George Temple is marked by a nervous, clipped delivery of his lines. This adds depth to his character, a highly conflicted soul who is constantly at odds with both his past and his present.
The combination of Crawford’s intimidating presence and Ford’s introspective portrayal creates a dynamic tension that drives the film forward. Their performances, supported by a strong script and well-crafted dialogue, elevate this film beyond the typical western.
I also enjoyed the uplifting theme: George doesn’t revert to his old self to harm others but to help his new community.
This plot contrasts modern films where the reluctant hero often comes out of hiding and embarks on a blood-soaked warpath, killing indiscriminately and becoming no different than the bad guys. Instead, George tries to solve things peacefully until he has no other choice. Innocents might be harmed if he doesn’t act.
The lovely Jeanne Crain also stands out as George’s loving wife, Dora. She is believable as a person who is also haunted by George’s past and who seeks to start their lives anew. Instead of giving up on him, she valiantly supports George despite his inner conflict and numerous public humiliations.
“The Fastest Gun Alive” boasts strong acting performances and positive themes about standing up for what’s right and contributing to one’s community.
