Dempsey Rae is a cowboy, who has a fear of barbed-wire.He has scars all over his chest, and his brother got killed by barbed-wire.Now he wanders into town with a young friend, Jeff Simson.They're hired to work for an absentee rancher called Reed Bowman.He soon finds out the rancher is an attractive woman.She's a tough woman, whose plans may hurt the neighbor harmony.Man Without a Star (1955) is a western by King Vidor.It stars Kirk Douglas, who turned 94 last Thursday, as Dempsey Rae.He's just the right guy for the part.He's got enough toughness for the role, but has also a soft and tender side.Jeanne Crain is certainly the right woman to portray Reed Bowman.William Campbell is terrific as Jeff "Texas" Simson.Claire Trevor is marvelous as Idonee.Richard Boone is great as Steve Miles.Jay C. Flippen is superb as Strap Davis.Myrna Hansen is very good as Tess Cassidy.And so is Eddy Waller, who plays Tom Cassidy.Mara Corday gives a fine portrayal of Moccasin Mary.Frank Chase is terrific as Little Waco.Great work by Sheb Wooley, who plays Latigo.Jack Elam gives a short but great performance as Knife Murderer.Frankie Laine is behind the catchy theme song.This may not be the most classic western, but I sure liked it.One of the greatest scenes in this movie is where Dempsey, instead of fighting with Miles, starts singing and playing his banjo in the saloon.It brings some lightness to this western.And one memorable scene is where Dempsey shows his scars.All the western fans should see this movie.
Review of Man Without a Star
