The outlaws of the Clanton and Younger gangs are the heroes of this fictionalized biography.
The IMDb staff came together to round up their favorite crime movies, shows, and documentaries.
From the iconic to the eclectic, relive the most memorable moments from the Oscars red carpet.
Share this Rating
Title: Best of the Badmen (1951)
Want to share IMDb's rating on your own site? Use the HTML below.
Edit
Cast
| Complete credited cast: | |||
| Robert Ryan | ... | Jeff Clanton | |
| Claire Trevor | ... | Lily | |
| Jack Buetel | ... | Bob Younger | |
| Robert Preston | ... | Matthew Fowler | |
| Walter Brennan | ... | 'Doc' Butcher | |
| Bruce Cabot | ... | Cole Younger | |
| John Archer | ... | Curley Ringo | |
| Lawrence Tierney | ... | Jesse James | |
| Barton MacLane | ... | Joad | |
| Tom Tyler | ... | Frank James | |
| Robert J. Wilke | ... | Jim Younger (as Bob Wilke) | |
| John Cliff | ... | John Younger | |
 |
Lee MacGregor | ... | Lieutenant |
| Emmett Lynn | ... | Oscar | |
| Carleton Young | ... | Wilson | |
Edit
Plot Summary
|
Add Synopsis
See All (43) »
Storyline
After the Civil War, Union Major Clanton captures survivors of Quantrill's Raiders, and gets them clemency at the cost of shooting a mob member. Convicted of murder by a kangaroo court, Clanton escapes and joins the former raiders in a gang devoted to robbing everything protected by the corrupt detective agency of his enemy Fowler; culminating in a personal showdown. Written by Rod Crawford <puffinus@u.washington.edu>
Plot Keywords:
buxom | freebooter | one armed gunfighter | one armed soldier | gunfighter |Taglines:
Here they come!Genres:
WesternParents Guide:
Add content advisory for parents »
Edit
Doc Butcher: Major, I collect bridles for souvenirs. And on the end of one, I was plumb surprised to find a horse!
See more »
Did You Know?
Goofs
Throughout the first half of the film, Clanton is seen sliding down hills, crawling on the ground and riding horses that are kicking up dust, yet during the close-ups, his Union uniform is always clean and crisp. See more »Quotes
Jeff Clanton: Horse thief! You'll get life!Doc Butcher: Major, I collect bridles for souvenirs. And on the end of one, I was plumb surprised to find a horse!
See more »
Crazy Credits
Opening credits: "This story tells a forgotten chapter in the violent history of the West. Months after the tragic war between the States had ended there was still no peace on the Western Frontier." See more »Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.
Edit
See full technical specs »
Details
Country:
USALanguage:
EnglishRelease Date:
1951 (UK) See more »Also Known As:
Best of the Badmen See more »Filming Locations:
Iverson Ranch - 1 Iverson Lane, Chatsworth, Los Angeles, California, USA See more »Company Credits
Show more on
IMDbPro »
Jeff Clanton (Robert Ryan) a major in the Union army, captures the remnants of the Quantrill Raiders which include the James brothers as well as the Youngers. Clanton is disposed to let them all go if they take an oath of allegiance, but Mathew Fowler (Robert Preston), the head of the Fowler Detective Agency, a private law enforcement outfit that protects the moneyed interests, has his eyes set on the impressive rewards each of the "badmen" has accrued, setting up what looks to be a pretty good story when Ryan is arrested and faces hanging. He sides with the "badmen" against Fowler, who seems to represent the emerging new order. Claire Trevor, who is supposed to be a saloon girl, is actually married to Fowler, but falls for Clanton. Her character makes zero sense and the movie makes less and less sense as it goes along, a disturbing trend which even the great Robert Preston can't turn around, though he's always worth watching.