The Man from Laramie (1955)

A stranger defies the local cattle baron and his sadistic son by working for one of his oldest rivals.

Director:

Anthony Mann

Writers:

Philip Yordan (screenplay), Frank Burt (screenplay),

Stars:

James Stewart, Arthur Kennedy, Donald Crisp

Cast

Complete credited cast:
James Stewart	...	Will Lockhart
Arthur Kennedy	...	Vic Hansbro
Donald Crisp	...	Alec Waggoman
Cathy O'Donnell	...	Barbara Waggoman
Alex Nicol	...	Dave Waggoman
Aline MacMahon	...	Kate Canady
Wallace Ford	...	Charley O'Leary
Jack Elam	...	Chris Boldt
John War Eagle	...	Frank Darrah
James Millican	...	Tom Quigby
Gregg Barton	...	Fritz
Boyd Stockman	...	Spud Oxton
Frank DeKova	...	Padre

Storyline

Mysterious Will Lockhart delivers supplies to storekeeper Barbara Waggoman at Coronado, an isolated town in Apache country. Before long, he's tangled with Dave Waggoman, vicious son of autocratic rancher Alec and cousin of sweet Barbara. But he sticks around town, his presence a catalyst for changes in people's lives, searching for someone he doesn't know...who's been selling rifles to the Apaches.

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Plot Keywords:

rifle | rancher | storekeeper | cattle | smoke signal | 

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Taglines:

THE MAN who was magnificent in "The Glenn Miller Story" THE MAN who was unforgettable in "Rear Window" THE MAN who was matchless in "Strategic Air Command"

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Genres:

Western

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

31 August 1955 (USA)

Also Known As:

Der Mann aus Laramie

Filming Locations:

Bonanza Creek Ranch - 15 Bonanza Creek Lane, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Columbia Pictures Corporation, William Goetz Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

104 min

Sound Mix:

4-Track Stereo (RCA Sound Recording)

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Cathy O'Donnell was widely felt to be badly miscast as Barbara Waggoman.

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Goofs

When Will Lockhart and Barbara Waggoman walk together in town, Will Lockhart stops close to a pole but doesn't lean against it; however, he is seen leaning against the pole in the next shot.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Will Lockhart: Whoa! Whoa! Whoa. We'll camp here for the night.
Charley O'Leary: We can go a coupla more miles 'fore sundown.
Will Lockhart: We'll camp here!
Charley O'Leary: You're the boss.

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Connections

Featured in 100 Years of the Hollywood Western (1994)

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Soundtracks

"The Man From Laramie"
By Lester Lee - Ned Washington
Sung by a chorus behind the credits

User Reviews

A Spectacular Stereo Western Drama

This has got to be one of the best western plots ever filmed. Unlike so many others in the genre, "The Man From Laramie" has a complex and interesting conflict as its center. Many have compared it to "King Lear" and the main story line does resemble the subplot of Gloucester and his two sons. Whether the Shakespeare connection is intentional or not, it works extremely well.

Partly responsible for the film´s success are its stars: James Stewart is good as usual, while Arthur Kennedy, Donald Crisp and Aline McMahon really stand out in their characterizations. Anthony Mann´s directing is tight and uncompromising. The picture never lags once and there are many strongly dramatic moments, some even a bit shocking for 1955.

The film was photographed with artistry, and the DVD issue does it justice. Several scenes are beautifully balanced and dramatically expressive. There is a wonderful wide-screen, panoramic look that comes across quite well. The real surprise is the audio. This 1955 movie has a full-bodied stereo soundtrack! The musical score may not be one the all-time greats, but it is often very effective, and on this disc it fills the viewing space with excitement. Highly recommended, even to Western non-fans.