This interesting little western, written by English-born writer/producer Alan Ellis (sadly lost to us too soon) tackled some broader than normal themes. It also benefited from a strong visual style via the collaboration of veteran cinematographer Joseph Biroc (who started out with James Wong Howe) and all-rounder TV director Allen H. Miner. With the use of several powerful low-angle B/W shots, together they create an introspective examination of a lawman coming to terms with his many failures in life. He wants to perform an act that might offer some redemption, by bringing to trial, a Mexican accused of killing two men north of the border. Once across the border, the fact Conrad does not understand the language, leaves him floundering to communicate with supporters of the fugitive. We the audience are also left not being certain what is actually being said - this adds another interesting dimension.
Anthony Quinn is excellent as the charismatic bandit, while William Conrad proves he was more than just a tough guy (Conrad also Produced) Lita Milan (AKF: Never Love A Stranger) scores as Quinn's fiery, dedicated girlfriend - with Ellen Hope Monroe as a young traumatized, orphaned girl they encounter on the trail. Photographic locations in Thousand Oaks, Wildwood Regional Park add interesting backgrounds - but a music score by Frank De Vol (My Three Sons) only works spasmodically. The curious Main Title Ballad (I've heard worse) is sung by (of all people) Eddie Albert with a surprisingly strong voice. Makes one wonder how recording decisions like this are made.
The MGM/UA remastered DVD looks and sounds superb and it's a great pity this wasn't released earlier, so more folk from this era could have bought and enjoyed this long lost B movie classic.
Anthony Quinn is excellent as the charismatic bandit, while William Conrad proves he was more than just a tough guy (Conrad also Produced) Lita Milan (AKF: Never Love A Stranger) scores as Quinn's fiery, dedicated girlfriend - with Ellen Hope Monroe as a young traumatized, orphaned girl they encounter on the trail. Photographic locations in Thousand Oaks, Wildwood Regional Park add interesting backgrounds - but a music score by Frank De Vol (My Three Sons) only works spasmodically. The curious Main Title Ballad (I've heard worse) is sung by (of all people) Eddie Albert with a surprisingly strong voice. Makes one wonder how recording decisions like this are made.
The MGM/UA remastered DVD looks and sounds superb and it's a great pity this wasn't released earlier, so more folk from this era could have bought and enjoyed this long lost B movie classic.