My Darling Clementine

If it comes to historical accuracy "My Darling Clementine" is not the version of the OK Corral gunfight you should look for (it lasted 31 seconds and the contenders where no more than 9 or 10 feet away). So what has this film that makes it so "classical" to most viewers? I've always wondered.

As for direction, John Ford has made better things. The black and white release helps the atmosphere and is good. The cast is mostly adequate, mainly Henry Fonda and Walter Brennan. acceptable musical score. Outdoor filming in open wide sceneries is fine as well.

But how in the name of God could they cast Victor Mature as "Doc" Holiday I'll never understand. His usual and classical over-overacting literally damages the movie badly. His part is too important to overlook his terrible acting. This is not the first potential classic that Mature ruined with his performance (other one is "The Egyptian", though he got a lot of help there from Edmund Purdom in the main role).

And also, how could a smart director like Ford include a scene where Fonda faces Mature in a gun duel and shoots "Doc's" gun right off his hand in the most pure "Lone Ranger" style? I must say too that the film is sortof slow, but I admit this could be a matter of opinion.

Don't get me wrong; "My Darling Clementine" is a watchable western, but no "classic" could have such flaws. Just a 6 out of 10 for me. Sorry.