Retired US Marshal James Flagg (Robert Mitchum) gets news of his old nemesis outlaw John McKaye (George Kennedy). He tries to warn the town of Progress but he's sent packing instead by slimy Mayor Wilker (Martin Balsam). He tracks down McKaye who is only hanging on to a robbery gang led by Waco. He captures McKaye but the mayor dismisses him. When the gang positions themselves to rob the incoming train, the mayor recruits Flagg to the rescue with McKaye's help.
These are great veteran actors and they give me hope. There is an interesting idea of a grizzled lawman teaming up with a worn down villain. I don't really like the mayor's idiocy. The movie could have gone down a grittier, darker path but it chooses to be a wacky comedy. It's not the best choice. The chemistry between Mitchum and Kennedy does keep this on the tracks but only barely.
These are great veteran actors and they give me hope. There is an interesting idea of a grizzled lawman teaming up with a worn down villain. I don't really like the mayor's idiocy. The movie could have gone down a grittier, darker path but it chooses to be a wacky comedy. It's not the best choice. The chemistry between Mitchum and Kennedy does keep this on the tracks but only barely.