Review of Man Without a Star (1955) by Charles T — 20 Nov 2011

A rowdy, wonderful Western which sadly has gotten very little attention from both audiences and its own studio. This movie is not available on DVD in the U.S., an error which Universal seriously needs to rectify.

Kirk Douglas gives one of his best performances as the title character, an easy-going drifter who befriends a young, impressionable runaway (William Campbell). The two of them wander into a town where they are hired to work on a ranch owned by a manipulative woman (Jeanne Crain).

When the owner extends her herd further across the land, however, Kirk finds himself reluctantly embroiled in a range war. Douglas shines in this lively Western, as does Crain as the carnivorous rancher.

Campbell is a bit annoying, though; he tries a bit too hard but grows more into the role as the movie progresses. Although it follows many Western conventions, 'Man Without a Star' is hardly routine; it's energetic, exciting, memorable, and often funny.

Frankie Laine sings the title tune; Kirk sings and plays the banjo in the film, just like he did in '20,000 Leagues Under the Sea' the year before. Catch this under-appreciated gem when and if you can.