Director Jacques Tourneur always produced quality work in short films. This one, at 65', is certainly easy to watch. Sadly, however, its short length makes for a film with an abrupt standoff in an open plain surrounded by mountains and an open ending in a courtroom that just leaves this spectator quite frustrated - hence the 7 out of 10.
The screenplay, off a book by prolific Western writer Louis L'Amour, suffers from that abrupt change of scenery and action without proper character buildup to prepare you to accept it.
The two highly positive aspects of this are: direction by Tourneur, first class for the most part; and the acting, with Joel Mc Crea in extraordinarily good form. He is well assisted by an ensemble of distinguished supporting actors performing at the top of their ability, namely John McIntyre as the powerful rancher Bannerman, Emile Meyer as sheriff, Kevin McCarthy as Tom Bannerman who is counting on his Dad protecting him but soon realizes Judge Thorne (McCrea) ain't about to kowtow to no one except the law.
The screenplay, off a book by prolific Western writer Louis L'Amour, suffers from that abrupt change of scenery and action without proper character buildup to prepare you to accept it.
The two highly positive aspects of this are: direction by Tourneur, first class for the most part; and the acting, with Joel Mc Crea in extraordinarily good form. He is well assisted by an ensemble of distinguished supporting actors performing at the top of their ability, namely John McIntyre as the powerful rancher Bannerman, Emile Meyer as sheriff, Kevin McCarthy as Tom Bannerman who is counting on his Dad protecting him but soon realizes Judge Thorne (McCrea) ain't about to kowtow to no one except the law.