NR | 1h 25m | Western | 1958
Film directors come from diverse backgrounds. Many start as actors and later transition to directing or writing films. Their experience in front of the camera often enhances their skills behind it, providing a deeper understanding of both filmmaking and acting.
George Marshall, born in Chicago in 1891, dropped out of college and moved to Los Angeles to visit his mother. There, he fell in love with the film industry. Following his service in World War I, Marshall returned to Hollywood. He first worked as an actor and stuntman. He eventually transitioned to writing and directing.
Marshall never gained the name recognition of other great directors. But he was known for his versatility, making a wide range of films from comedies to crime dramas and westerns. Later in his accomplished career, he collaborated with standout actor Glenn Ford on a trio of comedies: “The Sheepman” (1958), “The Gazebo” (1959), and “Advance to the Rear” (1964).
A Contentious Arrival
“The Sheepman” follows Jason Sweet (Ford), who moves to the small community of Powder Valley ahead of a large shipment of his sheep. The locals, staunch cattlemen, are dead set against sheep grazing on the same land as their cattle herds. Despite this, Sweet is determined to sway the community.Almost immediately after arriving in Powder Valley, Sweet finds himself at odds with several locals, including the town’s station manager and a spirited young woman named Dell Payton (Shirley MacLaine). Despite their initial hostility, Sweet and Dell soon develop a mutual attraction.
Sweet’s arrival isn’t without its share of confrontations; he receives a verbal jab from the town’s resident wisecracker, Milt Masters (Edgar Buchanan), who sits on a porch with his buddies. Sweet quickly responds with a sharp retort, publicly embarrassing Milt and asserting his quick wit. Masters and his group follow Sweet around town as he interacts with different people, setting things up for the arrival of his livestock and his eventual settling down.
Part of Sweet’s plan to establish himself in Powder Valley includes challenging the local tough guy, Jumbo McCall (Mickey Shaughnessy), to a barroom brawl. By defeating this formidable opponent, Sweet hopes to prevent future conflicts with Jumbo. However, the tension escalates when Jumbo and four other hired guns capture Sweet and take him to the region’s most influential man, Col. Stephen Bedford (Leslie Nielsen). It quickly becomes clear that Sweet and Bedford share a tumultuous past.
Seamless Fusion of Genres
Some of the film’s most comedic moments occur in the first act, as Ford’s character struts through town with a laissez-faire attitude, ready to take on all challengers. Ford’s trademark deadpan quips shine as he melts his adversaries with acidic remarks. A particularly humorous scene features Sweet en route to the town’s only hotel, sees Milt and cuts through his seeming friendliness, pegging him as a shady character likely to betray anyone for a dollar.
The film blends comedy, action, drama, and romance, as Sweet and Bedford vie for both territorial control and the Dell’s affection; She’s engaged to Bedford. Under less skilled direction, this mix of tones might collapse under its own weight. However, Marshall’s deft touch ensures that the transitions between genres are seamless.
Ms. MacLaine delivers a multifaceted performance as Dell, a quick-witted woman who matches Sweet’s fast-talking nature and initially tries to steer him clear of trouble. Her character evolves through various stages and her acting prowess effectively captures Dell’s inner conflicts. As a side note, MacLaine, currently thriving at 90 years old, is set to release another book celebrating her rich life.
I also appreciated Pernell Roberts in the role of Chocktaw Neal, one of Bedford’s hired guns. Despite his limited screen time, Roberts brings enough presence to command every scene he appears in. A year later, he would gain television fame as Adam Cartwright in the long-running series, “Bonanza.”
“The Sheepman” stands out as a western due to its unique blend of genres. It’s perfect for a weekend afternoon watch, offering a mix of uproarious laughs and gripping drama.
