Review of The Badlanders (1958) by John R — 04 Jun 2014
Interesting story, clumsily told.
Had the makings of a great western: the crime-caper, the double-crossings, the romance, and throw in some personal histories and racial and social issues. For the most part, it works well. Yet some scenes are cringe-worthy in their clumsiness. Just about any scene involving Ernest Borgnine and Katy Jurado, for example. There was absolutely no chemistry there (and this is more the script's fault, rather than their's), and their relationship just seem contrived.
Some of the twists in the plot are also quite predictable.
This said, the movie moves along at a good pace, the action scenes are good, and the ending wraps up the story nicely.
Good performance by Alan Ladd in the lead role. Good support from Ernest Borgnine, Katy Jurado and Claire Kelly. I can't believe Claire Kelly didn't become a bigger star: she certainly had the looks, and was a decent actress.
This review of The Badlanders (1958) was written by John R on 04 Jun 2014.
The Badlanders has generally received mixed reviews.
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