The film suffers from being part of the prettified world MGM wanted to present the movie-going world, at least in this period. On the other hand, "Young Guns" probably got it about right, for those who want to compare. According to Western historical scholars, Billy Bonner could've been well-described as a psychotic teenage killer. Not the noble--though driven--much older figure figure depicted by Robert Taylor. Also, the settings are a little too built up. Anyone who's spent time in the more remote parts of New Mexico knows what I mean. The rancher who's his mentor has a nice ranch house with grass! Finally, the movie is short on action. The photography is fine, but if you want real 1941 Technicolor splendor, drop this one and check out "Blood and Sand".
Review of Billy the Kid
