User Reviews

A Wyoming horse breeder (James Cagney) is callous in his treatment of rustlers... He hangs them from his trees in the Colorado Rockies and forces horse thieves to march barefoot over rocky terrain...

Into the wild frontier of the 1870s rides Don Dubbins, a young grocery clerk from Pennsylvania, who stays to grow up under Cagney's tutelage...

Dubbins seeks the love of Irene Papas (completely wasted in her first Hollywood debut), a woman Cagney has befriended, but learns she really loves the older man... Through their relationship the 'bad man with bad teeth, broken bones, a double hernia and lice' learns that justice should be tempered with mercy and reveals a warm heart that few suspected he had...

Beautifully photographed in CinemaScope and Technicolor and with a sweeping musical score by Miklos Rozsa, "Tribute to a Bad Man" is a convincing picture of life in the Old West...

With a Greek thespian such as highly talented Irene Papas ,playing the part of an ex-dancer called "Jocasta ",and a young boy working in her companion's ranch,I was waiting for an Oedipian western,and it is ,in a way ,as "Jo" is like a mother to Steve,writing letters for his mom,and urging him to leave this place before he becomes like "them"...And of course ,the boy falls for her...

But the movie avoids metaphysical pretensions and focuses on the way events,Jo and Jeremy (James Cagney) make a man of him -that's what the young lad says in the first minutes-.Superbly filmed with splendid colors and a good use of the wide screen ,the plot revolves around Jeremy and his horses.Jeremy is an ambiguous character (check the title which is thoroughly appropriate: does a "bad" man deserve a tribute?) Rodock can be very cruel ,a cruelty which culminates in a scene where he forces the thieves to walk some miles on a rocky trail without their boots.But he shows in the last scenes that he longs to be loved too.

Hats off to Robert Wise,a director who could excel in westerns ,Musicals ("West Side Story") ,horror movies ("the haunting" (1963!) is better than any horror movie I can think of) ,sci-fi ("the day the earth stood still") ,films noirs ("the set up" " odds against tomorrow " )and made the best movie dealing with death row ("I want to live" )!

It pains me to say this because Jimmy Cagney is one of my favorite actors, but the whole time I watched him in this picture I kept thinking of Dan Blocker's Hoss Cartwright from "Bonanza". Cagney had added a fair number of pounds over the years, and no longer resembled the slim hoofer that he was back in the 1930's when he established himself as a top flight gangster in film. I'm sure that vest he wore added to my perception.

In the story, Cagney's character Jeremy Rodock was one mean a-- rancher and horse trader. He subscribed to the one man rule of law in the absence of legal authority, and I got a pretty good idea that he wouldn't have been in favor of our current president's redistribution of wealth agenda. I had never heard the term 'hangin' fever' in a fair share of Westerns I've seen before, so I'm guessing the term was made up for this picture, but it served pretty well for Rodock's brand of justice.

As always, Cagney's performance in the story is credible, but after seeing him in many other vehicles, it's hard to warm up to his presence in a Western. The same goes for his appearance in "The Oklahoma Kid', featuring another personal favorite, Humphrey Bogart. Both appeared in that picture as opposing outlaws, and though a largely forgettable film in each actor's repertoire, they did participate in one of the wildest bar room brawls you're likely to find, recommendation enough in my mind to check that one out.

Irene Papas also takes center stage in this story as the long time companion of Rodock. Her disillusionment with Rodock's personal code meets it's strongest test in the growing admiration of young Steve Millar (Don Dubbibs), who hires on after his role in an opening gunfight. It would have been interesting to see what would have happened if he attempted to run away with Jocasta (Papas) before that miles long walk through the desert.

Brilliantly filmed in gorgeous Eastman Color, "Tribute To A Badman" might not have been the best title for this story, as Rodock was as fair minded as they came when dealing man to man. Cross him though and there was hell to pay. That, I think, could have been a useful alternate title.

Steve Millar(Don Dubbins)narrates how his life changes when he meets a tough, hardened, vengeful rancher, Jeremy Rodock(James Cagney)who will stop at nothing to hang those who wish to steal or harm his horses. Another thorn always pressing in Rodock's side is those who wish to adorn themselves with his woman, Jo(Irene Papas, quite good). Steve eventually completely falls for her, but Jo has made it quite well known she owes everything to Jeremy who gave her shelter and a place to live when she had absolutely nothing. Jo tries her best to ward Steve off the ranch back home to Pennsylvania's city life where he ultimately belongs. But, Steve is an ornery sort who really wishes to learn his craft at breaking horses and ranching. But, as certain thieves gather together(using an old partner of Jeremy's named Peterson played by James Bell), Jeremy will again twist in rage to get those responsible for trying to steal his horses and take the lives of he and his men. Then, in a later development, a past acquaintance of Jo's, McNulty(Stephen McNally), will try for Jo, fight with Jeremy when he is fired for such a deed, and find Old Man Peterson's son, Lars(Vic Morrow, turning in the typically good performance)to try and again steal Jeremy's horses. What McNulty does do is harm the horses by bleeding their shoes and this will ultimately challenge Jeremy's will to choose..Jo's desires for him to stop hanging men or losing her.

The theme of lynching is nothing new, but Cagney is fascinating to watch because he plays Jeremy quite conflicted. I felt Jeremy just wants to breed his horses and run his massive ranch, but anyone who who desires to take what is his shows a sign of disrespect to what the man and his men accomplished through hard labor and sweat. I think that rage isn't just for him, but for all his men who work hard and put in the time..not just to lose their horses to no-good greedy interlopers looking for a quick buck through another's hard labor. But, the film is through-and-through a love-triangle melodrama with Jeremy having to accept the crossroads in his life. Jo is certainly the woman he loves and we see this when others even dare try and attempt a go at her. Like those who steal his horses, Jo is, in a modest way, his property also. He brought her up from nothing, gave her more than she would've ever gotten at her current state, and provided her with warmth. But, she wanted the killing to stop even though the ones he does the hanging to are ripe for it. A better-than-average film even if it basically deal with standard elements often over-used in the genre.

This film resonates deeply, for a variety of reasons. Not the least of which is James Cagney's impressive central performance as the bad man. It is only because of how Cagney brings out the tender human side in the character does he even become worthy of a tribute.

At the heart of this western range drama is the relationship Cagney's character develops with two other people. One is a former dance hall girl (Irene Pappas). She had become sick of her old life and sought refuge at Cagney's ranch. She is here not as a wife but as a girlfriend and housekeeper.

The other key relationship is the one that occurs between Cagney and a newcomer (Don Dubbins) who has recently journeyed west from Pennsylvania. Dubbins seeks adventure and a job. Cagney hires him after a skirmish with rustlers leaves a bullet in his back that Dubbins kindly dislodges.

Dubbins' character is also the narrator, and we learn that this was just a certain period in his life. The script is based on a short story by writer Jack Schaefer that was part of a collection of short stories in an anthology called 'The Big Range.' The first four stories in this volume feature the Dubbins character describing experiences with several pioneers. Meaning Cagney is just one of the people that Dubbins meets during his western travels. MGM did not adapt any of the other stories in the book.

In addition to the sharply observed conflicts between a land baron (Cagney) and the thieves he goes after and hangs, the film benefits from Robert Wise's careful direction on location in scenic Colorado.

There are a lot of fantastic outdoor scenes, and it's a shame Wise did not helm more productions in this genre. Impressive visuals are accompanied by an appropriately grand yet eloquent score composed by Miklos Rozsa.

There are some fine supporting performances besides what Pappas and Dubbins offer. We have Stephen McNally as a former wrangler that tried to make a move on Pappas, so Cagney fired him. McNally teams up with some other no-good drifters and puts a revenge plan in motion. However, Cagney learns about their scheme thanks to some evidence that Dubbins finds.

Cagney wastes no time going after McNally's gang and with Dubbins' help, he catches up to them. The sequence where he shackles McNally and McNally's cohorts, then leads them across the desert to punish them for their crimes is remarkably brutal. We see McNally get his comeuppance the hard way. He ends up begging for mercy.

One of the members of McNally's bunch is a Scandinavian farmer's young son (Vic Morrow). The kid has a huge chip on his shoulder after his pa dies, and he nearly goes too far to prove his manhood. Morrow's ma is played by the always dependable Jeanette Nolan. She has turned a blind eye to her son's past activities, but now she just wants all the killings to stop.

The performances rendered by Morrow and Nolan match Cagney's performance step for step. But it is of course Cagney's film. He facilitates a complete metamorphosis on screen. His character evolves from ruthless and feared to fair and revered.

One gets the feeling that Cagney really cared about the story and what he could convey through the character he portrays. At times he is prone to emoting wildly, but he also practices restraint. He is entertaining us as a consummate showman, but he is also giving us something real to relate to and savor. His achievement in this film is worthy of its own tribute.

Years ago a Thai friend of mine asked me who Jimmy Cagney was. I'm not sure which Cagney film I showed him (definitely not this one), and after it was over my friend said, "Do Americans think that is good acting?" Now, every time I watch a Jimmy Cagney film I think back to that comment, and frankly, most of the time I conclude that Cagney is not a great, nor even a very good actor. Yet, there was something special about him. Perhaps a screen presence which superseded acting. Unfortunately, by 1956, an old Jimmy Cagney (aged 57, though he seems older) no longer had that screen presence (probably a major reason this film lost money). I'm 64. I don't know ANYONE who walks like that, moves like that, talks like that; it's not real. At this point in his career, Cagney was seemingly becoming a caricature of himself.

But actually, this is a good film...just a poor choice for the lead. Somehow, Cagney on a horse just doesn't sit right...so to speak. It's one of those sorta "big" Westerns, with spectacular scenery, a decent story, and some good actors. So if you're watching this for Jimmy Cagney, you may be disappointed. If you're watching this just as a Western, you'll probably enjoy it despite Jimmy Cagney...and it is a cut above most Westerns.

The plot is mostly pretty interesting. A man has a streak of cruelty in him that leads him to want to hang anyone who steals from him. Just why a much younger Irene Papas (in her American debut) would be so attracted to him...well, that's a hole in the plot. Along comes a young cowboy-to-be (Don Dubbins) who develops romantic feelings for Papas, father/son feelings for Cagney...until he learns more about who Cagney really is (in terms of behavior).

Don Dubbins is very good here as the young man, although I guess I would never have seen him as a future lead actor (and he wasn't). Stephen McNally plays the really bad guy well. Irene Papas, despite the illogical aspect of her character, does nicely here. Vic Morrow is overrated as a young man beginning to move toward the wrong side of things; he thought he was James Dean...he wasn't.

I'm glad I watched this film. Once. Cagney's career was winding down...and perhaps that was good. Because it's much better to enjoy his earlier films, such as "Yankee Doodle Dandy".

This is a fine Western-era movie and you will not be disappointed if you watch it. It's a good story and a very fine script with realistic dialog and character development.

James Cagney was in only a couple of Westerns so far as I know, this being one of them, and after seeing 'Tribute To A Bad Man' I wish he had been in more of them. He makes a very appealing and authentic Western character. Don Dubbins, who plays the part of the young Pennsylvania grocery clerk who 'went West', is really good too, and plays his role in earnest. Irene Papas did a very good job at her part, but did not stand out quite as much as did the other leads. In fairness to her, I don't think her role gave her the chance to.

The movie's plot is pretty well covered elsewhere, so I'll discuss other things. For one - this is a gorgeous movie - awesome scenery, and scenes beautifully set up and filmed. In many scenes it's a treat for the eyes, and there's plenty of good story to go with the visuals.

The movie opens in one of those beautiful scenes, with Don Dubbins riding along on his horse as his voice-over gives us a quick intro into who he is and the adventure he is about to encounter. It ends with one of my favorite movie endings. In another fine scenic, as Dubbins rides off into the distance he says in voice-over (and here comes the spoiler) "I never saw Mr. Rodock again, and I never saw Jocasta again. But I carried them with me wherever I went, and I loved them both my whole life long." Dubbins' delivers these lines perfectly.

This is a really enjoyable movie. Guys, your wife or girlfriend will sit and watch it with you and she'll enjoy it too. Give this one a watching next time it comes on and you will not be disappointed.

****POSSIBLE SPOILERS*******

Glorious western morality story with a loose, authentic feel and look. Cagney plays a rough horse rancher intent on hanging anyone who steals his horses, regardless of the law. When a new recruit comes from the East (Dubbins), Cagney's girlfriend (Papas) re-evaluates the morals at issue and finds she can't live with Cagney. But, he too has changed his attitude -- after forcing a neighbor's son (Morrow) and his compatriots to march for miles with no shoes.

Real human emotions and relationships are at the fore, and there are no pat solutions being offered here. Fantastic photography and involved directing. Van Cleef, for once, is seen without a gun in his hand, and no ulterior motives -- he's just a wrangler with a dry wit! A very refreshing western film with a good script.... one of the best of the decade.

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.

Maybe not physically at his peak; but his acting abilities are well honed in this western gem. James Cagney plays Jeremy Rodock, who has his own brand of justice. After being shot and falling victim to cattle rustlers, Steve Miller (Don Dubbins) , arrives to offer aid and helps nurse Rodock back to health and is offered a job on the old man's ranch 200 miles away from the nearest law. Believing in vigilante justice, Rodock begins passing out unforgiving brutal "payback" to any and everyone he thinks betrayed him or even broken any law. Rough, unjust and violent behavior starts consuming a once well respected man. Cagney is outstanding.

Robert Wise directs this well acted sagebrush drama. A star-studded cast features: Stephen McNally, Irene Papas, James Griffith, Onslow Stevens, Lee Van Cleef, Vic Morrow and Royal Dano.

. . . whether it's "industrial hemp" being raised clandestinely under grow lamps by "George Washington's" stoner brigade, or "strange fruit" lanyards dangling from the trees in "Nina's" backyard. This taint of disdain for the so-called "Judas Lasso" permeates TRIBUTE TO A BAD MAN from beginning to end. Title character "Rodock" suffers periodic bouts of "hanging fever," primarily because he lives more than 200 miles from the nearest guns and ammo shop. Bullets are few and far between. (Just close your eyes, and listen to the near absence of "Peacemaker" action on TRIBUTE's soundtrack.) As "Dirty Harry" knew all too well, life gets really complicated when you're constantly counting rounds fired (especially if you did not major in math!). Who's going to make a 400-mile round trip detour to pick up a couple boxes of ammo on their Sunday afternoon jaunt to the Firing Range?! Throughout TRIBUTE, the frustrated, under-armed "Rodock" dances around like a dope on a rope. All the more reason for YOU to remember Today to support your local chapter of BANGS (Broke Americans Need Gun Stamps)!