Review of The Appaloosa (1966) by John T — 22 Mar 2018

This western touches on the usual themes: honor, courage, physical toughness, and they are developed in an escalating mano-a-mano confrontation between characters played by Marlon Brando and John Saxon. The upshot is that both men want the same horse. In classic "Shane" tradition, Brando rides into town on said horse. But unlike Alan Ladd, Brando is not blessed with supernatural gun fighting skills. So when local Mexican bad guy John Saxon covets the horse, Brando has no quick and easy solution. Brando wisely underplays his character's resolve not to be bested, and as their conflict builds in intensity and violence, his stoicism never flags. But, rarely for Brando, he is upstaged by his antagonist. John Saxon, who I always felt was underrated, finds his sweet spot as a wealthy Mexican landowner who is not accustomed to being denied. There is a whisp of Spanish aristocracy in him that precludes dealing with Brando unjustly. Instead h3 gives Brando a fair chance at retaking his horse. From that point on you know one of these guys isn't going to get out of this situation alive.

The film is worth watching for Saxon's performance. Both actors are playing against the stereotypes of their characters, but Brando is hobbled by a ridiculous wig, and there is a tiredness to his presentation that might have been provoked by the actors descent into personal dissipation around this time. He is overweight and slow. But still he is Brando, so you watch him.

The storyline is ridiculous and the supporting actors are as stereotypical as they get. In particular, the Mexican man and his family with whom Brando intends to start a ranch are embarrassing in their fawning attitude to Brando. Such a scenario in a modern film would rightfully be condemned as racist.

But for all that, I've still watched this little film four or five times. Most viewers won't like it as much as I. Perhaps my enthusiasm for the film is tied to my fondness for John Saxon. In this film he goes toe to toe with the biggest male star of his time and more than holds his own.