Review of Young Billy Young (1969) by Tom H — 28 Oct 2010

A straight forward, easy to watch, quick paced western, which has an adequate storyline to it, but in certain areas it could have been done better. The storyline doesn't make the film stand out amongst other westerns. There is a good variety of characters, but there is not a good deal of introduction to the characters' background. There is however some good action scenes and quite a good gun fight at the end, which is particularly well filmed.

As for the acting Robert Mitchum is well cast as the straight talking, tough talking experienced gun man who delivers his tough dialogue very well. Robert Walker Jr plays the part of the young green wannabe gun man quite well. Mitchum and Walker share the best scenes in the film. Angie Dickinson seems very wooden throughout the film and in some scenes completely emotionless. Her tone of voice does not change, despite her characters apparent change of moods.

Overall an enjoyable western which is very easy to watch, which is well paced and a few good action scenes in it. It is also well acted on the most part. The drawbacks are that the characters lack any real back story and some aspects of the story could have been done more in-depth. Robert Mitchum also sang the soundtrack, which was a really big mistake he should of kept to acting!