Review of More Dead than Alive (1969) by Kevin R — 04 Feb 2010

Never holster an empty gun.

An old country boy who grew-up when times were hard in the Wild West has served his time for killing a man, and after 18 hard years in jail, wishes to settle down and live a respectable life. A female artist points the man in the right direction, but some how, he keeps getting pulled in to gun shows to earn a living. While the living is respectable, and a source of income, the lifestyle reminds him of what he used to be rather than what he wishes to become. Will the country boy reach his dreams or will his old lifestyle continue to haunt him?

?Did he get him??

?Does an outhouse stink??

Robert Sparr, director of Once You Kiss a Stranger, A Swingin? Summer, and numerous episodes in various television series, delivers More Dead than Alive. The storyline for this picture is compelling and well delivered. The subplots and supporting characters were well portrayed. The acting was solid and the cast included Clint Walker (Dirty Dozen), Vincent Price, Anne Francis (Forbidden Planet), and Paul Hampton (Senior Prom).

?Hurry it up, fat boy. I?m going to have a steak in hell for dinner.?

I was searching for movies to DVR over the weekend and was in the mood to catch some Vincent Price pictures (I occasionally get those cravings). Nevertheless, I came across this western and could not remember ever seeing a Vincent Price in a western. I was pleasantly surprised at how well he fit into this setting. While Clint Walker stole the show, the entire cast delivered splendid performances. The conclusion was marvelous and well delivered. I strongly recommend seeing this picture if you are a fan of westerns.

?It?s the biggest little show in the territory.?

Grade: B.