This is a story written about the West and some of the more famous individuals who really participated in it's inception. For many in the audience, this movie star's Robert Ryan and the great and magnetic presence he brings to the silver screen. The story is called " Best of the Bad men. " Proportedly it is set in the 1860's shortly after the Civil War. The last of the rebel hold outs have been captured by Major Jefferson Clanton (Robert Ryan) and the Union army and offered the oath of Alligence to the United States. This does not sit well with the carpetbaggers who believe the Rebels should be tried and hanged. Robert Preston is Matthew Fowler a greedy, mob-stirring businessman who is out to crucify Clanton for denying him his bounty on the former bad men. Walter Brennan, Bruce Cabot and Jack Buetel make for a formidable bunch as the beginnings of the infamous James and Younger gangs. For a touch of feminine beauty we have beautiful and seductive Claire Trevor as Lily Fowler. Together, the entire cast makes for a rousing yarn set in the Old West. There is plenty of explosions, gun-fights, fist-fighting, fast horses and double dealing to keep the audience interesting and for once, our hero Robert Ryan doesn't have to play the heavy. OK, the story is a bit far-fetch, but fun none-the-less. Recommended to anyone who wishes to slay a somber afternoon. ***