While channel surfing I ran across this film, I had missed at least the first 10 minutes. I viewed for a moment, as Randolph Scott is watching two dusty riders show up at an abandoned stage depot in the middle of nowhere. First guy off his horse is Lee Marvin and he's soon telling Scott that he would not sink that low (killing a woman), I was hooked. I watched the remainder of the film and I was chagrined I had not seen it before.
No spoilers here and the plot has been commented on a lot. Two items I wanted to mention: Lee Marvin's excellent performance..easy to spot stardom was heading his way. He reminded me a little of Burt Lancaster in "Vera Cruz"..a bad guy you just can't hate. The other is that I'm sure Sergio Leone was taking notes also. For example, the use of unique outdoor settings like the claustrophobic rocks and tunnels, vistas, etc. There is more quiet than noise indoors, such as the saloon..so that tensions can quietly build. And lastly, the final scenes between Scott and Marvin. Leone loved the build up between two men facing off in a gunfight as much as the action itself..he must have noted that in this film.
No spoilers here and the plot has been commented on a lot. Two items I wanted to mention: Lee Marvin's excellent performance..easy to spot stardom was heading his way. He reminded me a little of Burt Lancaster in "Vera Cruz"..a bad guy you just can't hate. The other is that I'm sure Sergio Leone was taking notes also. For example, the use of unique outdoor settings like the claustrophobic rocks and tunnels, vistas, etc. There is more quiet than noise indoors, such as the saloon..so that tensions can quietly build. And lastly, the final scenes between Scott and Marvin. Leone loved the build up between two men facing off in a gunfight as much as the action itself..he must have noted that in this film.