I do NOT like Westerns. In fact, I never watch them because most are so clichéd as to boring due to the repetitions of the proceeding western. That said, I am glad that I read what other people wrote as my curiosity was aroused. Boy, am I glad I saw this movie on Turner Movie Classics! It has to be one of the best kept secrets in film making.
How refreshing to see Cagney in a different type of role he's usually cast in. He shines. Watch his face during some of the scenes where he's shot close up. His expression(s) speak more than any words a writer could put in his mouth. Personally, I didn't find Papas that compelling but that's just my take.
One of the strong points of the movie is to watch how Cagney's character changes from a hard nosed, determined man to some one who gains a different perspective from those he admires, the young ranch hand and the woman whom he befriended.
As to the movie title, this has to be one of the most misleading titles of all times. Cagney is not a bad man by any means in this film. Trying to protect what you've worked all your life to build up makes you a bad man doesn't make you bad. And if you have to take the law into your own hands since there is not law where you live, so be it.
How refreshing to see Cagney in a different type of role he's usually cast in. He shines. Watch his face during some of the scenes where he's shot close up. His expression(s) speak more than any words a writer could put in his mouth. Personally, I didn't find Papas that compelling but that's just my take.
One of the strong points of the movie is to watch how Cagney's character changes from a hard nosed, determined man to some one who gains a different perspective from those he admires, the young ranch hand and the woman whom he befriended.
As to the movie title, this has to be one of the most misleading titles of all times. Cagney is not a bad man by any means in this film. Trying to protect what you've worked all your life to build up makes you a bad man doesn't make you bad. And if you have to take the law into your own hands since there is not law where you live, so be it.