Technically well-made, first-class production values, viewed wide-screen it is impressive. As a legitimate effort from the grand days of the Western film, it doesn't deserve its near-forgotten status. However, despite good acting by McCrea and especially by Julia Adams this movie suffers from being a bit too formula overall and too superficial in its psychological aspects.
The way Masterson rides back to town in the end and faces everything is very manly and should have more impact. McCrea was certainly an actor capable of delivering such an impact. But the director has made this with a glossed-over style as if he is just skimming the surface, rather than with cinematic impact in mind. See the classic "High Noon" for such an ending done more effectively.
Many psychological westerns are successful, however this one has so little psychological conflict between the protagonists (Masterson and the first Sheriff) that the result is merely a formulaic western punch-out relationship between the good guys and bad guys.
Julia Adams delivers a fine acting performance. She and McCrea do a great job. Their performances are really the chief reasons for you to watch this. McCrea was a subtle and effective actor, and here he foreshadows his work in the legendary "Ride The High Country" a few years later.
The way Masterson rides back to town in the end and faces everything is very manly and should have more impact. McCrea was certainly an actor capable of delivering such an impact. But the director has made this with a glossed-over style as if he is just skimming the surface, rather than with cinematic impact in mind. See the classic "High Noon" for such an ending done more effectively.
Many psychological westerns are successful, however this one has so little psychological conflict between the protagonists (Masterson and the first Sheriff) that the result is merely a formulaic western punch-out relationship between the good guys and bad guys.
Julia Adams delivers a fine acting performance. She and McCrea do a great job. Their performances are really the chief reasons for you to watch this. McCrea was a subtle and effective actor, and here he foreshadows his work in the legendary "Ride The High Country" a few years later.