Of course this is a 1950s period piece that says more about that time period than it does about the 19th Century, but we need to remember that most films, particularly Westerns, seemed to reflect the exact time period they were made. This is nothing new, and it probably will not change any time in the future.
What audiences forget is that Fred MacMurray was GREAT in serious roles. Because we saw him on TV and Disney movies, we became used to the dimwitted, milquetoast type of character and I, at least could not understand why he was so respected as an actor. But, he had a long illustrious career long before the 1960s, and that career had mostly been of him as a leading man in Westerns. In fact, MacMurray was disappointed that all he ever got cast in was serious roles, and he got tired of it.
In this movie, his acting is so "underdone", that it is flawless. I have a great deal of respect for him, and wish he had made even more serious movies later in his life.
What audiences forget is that Fred MacMurray was GREAT in serious roles. Because we saw him on TV and Disney movies, we became used to the dimwitted, milquetoast type of character and I, at least could not understand why he was so respected as an actor. But, he had a long illustrious career long before the 1960s, and that career had mostly been of him as a leading man in Westerns. In fact, MacMurray was disappointed that all he ever got cast in was serious roles, and he got tired of it.
In this movie, his acting is so "underdone", that it is flawless. I have a great deal of respect for him, and wish he had made even more serious movies later in his life.