On a mission to find a missing man in Mexico, gunfighter Brad Ellison learns that life is not as simple as it used to be.On a mission to find a missing man in Mexico, gunfighter Brad Ellison learns that life is not as simple as it used to be.On a mission to find a missing man in Mexico, gunfighter Brad Ellison learns that life is not as simple as it used to be.
Edward Platt
- Samuel Grypton
- (as Edward C. Platt)
José Chávez
- Garcia
- (as José Chavez Trowe)
Francisco Reiguera
- Pablo
- (as Francisco Reyguera)
Richard H. Cutting
- Sheriff
- (as Richard Cutting)
Gilda Fontana
- Minor Role
- (uncredited)
- Director
- Writer
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Featured reviews
This film essentially begins with a gunfighter by the name of "Brad Ellison" (Jock Mahoney) riding into a small town to face another gunslinger waiting for him there. Within less than a minute, gunshots ring out and Brad strolls into the local saloon for a drink. While there, he is told that a man is waiting for him upstairs in one of the rooms. Somewhat curious, he goes upstairs and meets a elderly businessman by the name of "John Forbes" (Carl Benton Reid) who tells him that he is dying and offers Brad $25,000 to go to Mexico and bring back his younger brother who has been living there for almost 10 years. He then goes on to explain that he doesn't know exactly where his brother lives in Mexico and the last two men he sent were killed in the process of looking for him. So, with only a unique silver dollar which might help to identify him, Brad sets off on his journey. To that effect, several days later he rides upon a ranch where he meets a wealthy American named "Michael O'Reilly" (Lorne Greene) who tries to dissuade him from continuing on his journey by telling him that the person he is looking for is dead. Unconvinced, Brad leaves the next morning but, in the process, convinces Michael's foreman, "Miles Lang" (Gilbert Roland) to help him out. What neither of them count on, however, is just how dangerous their search will turn out to be. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will say that this turned out to be a decent Western based largely on the performances of both Jock Mahoney and Gilbert Roland. It also features a couple of twists and turns at the end which benefits the movie as well. Be that as it may, I enjoyed this movie for the most part and I have rated it accordingly. Slightly above average.
Jock Mahoney is terrific here in this enchanted Universal Studios western. An underrated western which deserves to be more widely known, as much as Anthony Mann's or Delmer Daves' films too. Gibert Roland, as usual, plays the hero's sidekick - remember him in THE TREASURE OF PANCHO VILLA, where the lead hero, Rory Calhoun, is close to Jock Mahoney's role. TREASURE...is also from George Sherman. The plot brings nothing special, compared to another western and the scheme of men search for a woman makes me think of Richard Brooks' THE PROFESSIONALS, and the directing, settings, locations, are terrific and contribute to the quality of this B western; I remind you it is under 79 minutes. When I think about Jock Mahoney - in his black leather outfit, I think about LAST OF THE FAST GUNS. This story could have been made ten yeas later, during tje sixties. And the most juicy part is the symbolic in characters clothes; have you noticed that the good guy wears black clothes whilst the evil one wears white suit? EXCELLENT.
Classic, archetypal hero. Plot twist at the end, which some anticipate and some don't. One of the fastest draws shown in any film. Ending a bit disappointing, as final confrontation is short and not settled with firearms. For fans of the genre, a must-see.
Gunfighter Miles is hired to go south of the border to find a dying man's missing brother. However, things are more complicated than they seem.
Generally underrated western, with good scenic Mexican locations, a non-clichéd plot, along with a few good twists and a colorful cast. Getting Roland, Greene and Franz was a real coup since each is a very distinctive presence. Mahoney certainly looks the part of a western hero, but is a rather bland actor, not to the extent of being a problem, however. Director Sherman makes creative and compelling use of the locations and I especially like the shack set against the cliff; it's like nothing else I've seen. Unlike many oaters set in Mexico, this one comes across as genuinely persuasive. Cristal's role (Maria), surprise, surprise, is little more than eye candy, but I don't blame Ellison (Mahoney) at fade-out. Anyway, don't let the first tame 20-minutes or so fool you, the twists and action pick up considerably.
Generally underrated western, with good scenic Mexican locations, a non-clichéd plot, along with a few good twists and a colorful cast. Getting Roland, Greene and Franz was a real coup since each is a very distinctive presence. Mahoney certainly looks the part of a western hero, but is a rather bland actor, not to the extent of being a problem, however. Director Sherman makes creative and compelling use of the locations and I especially like the shack set against the cliff; it's like nothing else I've seen. Unlike many oaters set in Mexico, this one comes across as genuinely persuasive. Cristal's role (Maria), surprise, surprise, is little more than eye candy, but I don't blame Ellison (Mahoney) at fade-out. Anyway, don't let the first tame 20-minutes or so fool you, the twists and action pick up considerably.
Jock Mahoney is at his best in this one. Lorne Greene and other notables round this one out
Did you know
- TriviaThe working title of this film was "The Western Story."
- GoofsTwo silver dollars play a part in this film. It is explained that they are "1794 Silver Dollars, the first from the US Mint." However what is actually displayed in the movie is the reverse side of a US silver dollar known as the Morgan Dollar, after its designer, George Morgan. This dollar was not minted until 1878 (Actually 1878-1904 and 1921.) Therefore, actual 1794 dollar coins were not shown.
- Quotes
Maria O'Reilly: Do you know that every time you look at me, I feel like I am running around without any clothes on?
Brad Ellison: Gonna get mighty chilly when the sun goes down.
Details
- Runtime1 hour 22 minutes
- Aspect ratio
- 2.35 : 1
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By what name was The Last of the Fast Guns (1958) officially released in India in English?
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