Review of The Appaloosa

A much maligned western that is actually a really good, very tightly made suspense film featuring a terrific Marlon Brando performance as well as an unexpectedly great turn by John Saxon. Brando drifts into a border-town and crosses paths with Mexican hot head Saxon. Saxon steals Brando's beloved horse (the appaloosa of the title) and a game of cat and mouse ensues during which Brando acquires Saxon's desperate wife (the oddly cast Anjanette Comer). Brando is exceptional and Saxon is really great as the villain. However, Comer is very under-utilized --- unfortunately she has a pretty thankless role and has little chemistry with Brando. Directed with a lot of flair by Sidney J. Furie and featuring excellent cinematography by Russell Metty.