Review of My Darling Clementine (1946) by Kenny K — 29 Dec 2009
Poorly-named retelling of the gunfight at the O.K. Corral between the Earp and Clanton brothers in Tombstone, AZ. Director John Ford (our most talented Western storyteller) shows his flair here for small, telling details and the slow, sure building of tension.
Yet for some reason, it fails to achieve greatness because it fails to focus on the conflict between the two families, instead spending too much time in the bar, with a singing floosy and a prim Eastern girl who both love Doc Holiday and Holiday's and Wyatt Earp's nascent friendship, as well as Wyatt's growing attraction for Doc's true love.
Beautifully shot with marvelous day-for-night scenes set in Monument Valley that are truly iconic. Score is weak, however, and repetitious. Great casting, by and large, though Victor Mature as Holiday is too charismatic for the lead, which belongs to Wyatt, underplayed by Henry Fonda, Hollywood's most unassuming leading man. I would have reversed the two actors in their roles.
Coulda been great if Ford had focused on the through-line of the plot.
This review of My Darling Clementine (1946) was written by Kenny K on 29 Dec 2009.
My Darling Clementine has generally received very positive reviews.
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