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Reviews
Law and Order (1953)
Quality 1950's Western Entry with Solid Cast
It is regrettable that pseudo-critics cannot separate politics from thespianism. The majority of the critical reviews for Law and Order seem to take gratuitous potshots at Ronald Reagan's performance rather than evaluating the film as a whole.
Reagan plays Frame Johnson, a lawman set on hanging up his guns and starting a family with Jeannie, Dorothy Malone's character. When circumstances force his hand, he pins the badge back on and faces up to long-time nemesis Kurt Durling, capably portrayed by Preston Foster. Other cast members worth noting are Russell Johnson (Gilligan's Island) as the youngest Johnson brother, Dennis Weaver (Gunsmoke) in a role very different than Chester, and Jack Kelly (Maverick) quite unlike his affable Bart Maverick character. Though a rather small role, I particularly like Alex Nicol as Luther "Lute" Johnson. Nicol was equally adept in sympathetic characters or psychotic villains. Filmed in brilliant Technicolor on location at Red Rock Canyon State Park adds to the aesthetic appeal. The script seems balanced; not loquacious, but establishing the characters so the viewer knows them. Adding to the sense of realism, Reagan himself performed the majority of the climatic fight scenes; it is evident that he, and not a double is in the moving wagon. The irony is that a double was just as obviously used in the initial fight scene which was far less dramatic.
Speaking to some criticisms which have been levied against Reagan, it is true that his acting came across wooden at times, but he is quite believable as Frame. If he were stoic in certain scenes, it actually lends credibility to the plot and his character. Part of rating, in my humble opinion, is evaluating the picture in the context of the audience for which it was intended. Law and Order was never an attempt to compete with Judgement at Nuremburg, The Ten Commandments, or Citizen Kane. It was intended for the crowds of moviegoers who flocked to see Randolph Scott, Joel McCrea, and Jimmy Stewart entries of the same era, and as such, it delivers more than adequately.
Town Tamer (1965)
Respectable Western With Classic Stars
Having just seen this movie for the first time, I am surprised by the amount of skepticism thrown at it by other reviewers. I found the movie to be quite captivating, not only by virtue of the constant intensity, but also the deep relational intrigue between the characters. The hatred between Dana Andrews and Bruce Cabot is scathing. DeForrest Kelly is excellent as the cowardly, wife-beating "tin-horn" without an ounce of decency. Dana Andrews is gives an appropriately sullen performance, in light of his wife's death the first scene. Silent Star Richard Arlen gives a solid performance as the honorable town doctor. The most compelling performance in the movie without doubt was Lyle Bettger's. The viewer is never quite sure where his tormented character's allegiance lies. Colleen Gray's appearance here is similar to her minor but famous appearance as John Wayne's love interest in Red River. Bruce Cabot is excellent as the perpetually conniving and cold-blooded arch villain. The tension between the two town factions is perpetual, with Andrews character always caught in the crossfire. Solid Western feature with a fantastic cast.
In Old Sacramento (1946)
Above Average 40's Western
Of all the men that gained fame from the "B" western genre, William Elliott was one of the more talented actors. He broke in playing smaller roles in "A" pictures with the likes of Cagney and Bogart. This was his first venture at a starring role in a higher budget western; he had just finished up starring in about twenty Red Rider serials. Fans of the old western genre will see a marked similarity to the plot line of Roy Rogers' "The Carson City Kid". Indeed, the traitorous "sidekick" in both features is named Laramie, in here portrayed by the ominous Jack LaRue, and Frank McDonald in CC Kid. There was a higher budget on this film however, more renown actors were used, and the plot more involved. While this isn't my favorite of Elliott's "A" features, it is nonetheless entertaining and a worthwhile view.
The Masquerader (1933)
Hard to find gem!
It is a shame this film is so hard to find. Ronald Coleman does an excellent job in his dual role of Chilcote/Loder. The two characters are quite opposite and I might venture to call his delivery remarkable. It is similar in some ways to the Prisoner of Zenda, which indeed is a good film, but I prefer the ending of this one. Elissa Landi, her usual sweet and serenely beautiful self, is the model of a faithful wife. She did an excellent job as the wronged, but still loving wife who returns to help her husband in a time of need. It is a great shame that she did not make more films and is not better remembered to-day. She almost always played gentle, ladylike, loving, and thoughtful roles and did so very convincingly. Combine that with being very pretty and you have a good actress in my opinion. Try to find this one on ebay!!