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Reviews
The Tall Texan (1953)
Considering it's age, a remarkable western movie.
Considering that this movie is almost 50 years old, it holds up quite well. Bridges, Adler and Cobb give striking performances in a tale set amongst a group of barren rocks in the Southwest. The plot moves slowly, building to an exciting climax. One of the best western movies of the 50s with a great musical score.
Compulsion (1959)
Good crime story spoiled by over-long oratory
This is a good crime story supported by great acting by Stockwell and Dillman. the only drawback is the arrival of big fat Welles, who presents an over-long speech to the judge that rambles and makes very little sense. Welles proofs once again that he is the kiss of death to any decent movie undertaking.
The Lightship (1985)
Routine crime-drama set on the high-seas
There isn't much new in this gangsters-take-ship-and-crew-hostage drama, except that it takes place on a floating Light Ship. Having endured 14 months of duty on one of these floating torture chambers myself, I can tell you that nothing this exciting ever took place. All we ever did was bounce up and down and listen to a fog-horn, day and night. Too bad Duvall wasn't out there then, we could have keel-hauled him for making this very inaccurate flick!
Arrow in the Dust (1954)
Lack-luster, routine shoot-'em-up western.
The use of stock footage and uninspired acting and direction make this a very slow, routine western effort. Despite the cast (Hayden, Larson) this one is just too predictable to suffer through. And yet, in spite of it's failings, it often appears on TV while better efforts rot in a can somewhere. Go figure.
Across the Wide Missouri (1951)
A good story featuring rugged realism
Realism and attention to detail highlight this otherwise routine tale of the opening of the west by mountain-men. Gable's performance is somewhat subdued in his portrayal of a trapper that takes on an Indian wife in hostile territory. The scenery is pretty and the story moves at a good clip with an exciting finale.