The Redhead from Wyoming (1953)

Save your money for something good and enjoyable

In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.

When a movie has you begging for it to end not even half way through it's pure crap. We've all seen this movie and this characters millions of times, nothing new in it. Don't waste your time.

It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

During the 1930s, 40s and 50s (especially the 50s), Hollywood made a bazillion western films. Because they made so many, it's not surprising that there are several basic plots you'll find in about 95% of these movies. This one features two of these plots...plots that are really clichés because they occur so often. First, there is Jim Averell...a guy who wants to be more and more powerful. He's running for governor and has his eyes set on controlling the west. Second, he's making himself richer and richer by bringing in a gang of cutthroats and they spend their time rustling other folks' cattle. There is so much familiarity about these story elements...too much. Sure, Maureeen O'Hara is there and she looks nice in color but the film never seems more than just another mediocre western with little to distinguish it aside from having O'Hara involved in the big gunfight at the end. Ordinary...

... thanks to a good story, a stunning cinematography (whooaahhoo Maureen's dresses in Technicolor), fast paced direction and editing (the fights are real tough like in movies directed by Anthony Mann, Ray Enright or Phil Karlson), and above all Maureen O'Hara surrounded by a good cast.Maureen O'Hara is so sexy and her interpretation is always subtle, she shines in every scene. And the great surprise is that she can be as tough as a man. The perfect woman in Technicolor.And the other success of that so entertaining western is the interpretation of William Bishop, one of my favorite actors in B movies (Thunderhoof, The Texas Rangers, The White Squaw, ... and that unknown noir crime Breakdown with terrific boxing sequences). Such an athletic silhouette and determined face. Each time I see a movie with William Bishop, I'm never disappointed.

Okay, Maureen O'hara's dresses are over the top and half the cast in most scenes, seems to be thinking, "why is she wearing that". Still, the movie has some interesting qualities and good moments. First, we have a woman who not only looks pretty and sexy, but can ride fast, think and use a gun. The writer, Polly James, is probably responsible for the fact that we have an interesting and strong woman character in the lead, a refreshing change for a 1953 Western. Second, the film makes several references to Maverick. First Jeanne Cooper (36 years on the Guiding light soap opera later) gets called a maverick, then Maureen O'hara starts referring to Sheriff Stain Blaine as "Maverick". This was four years before the "Maverick" television series and probably this movie was an inspiration for it. William Bishop, as the heavy, Jim Averell, is a much more interesting character than the drifter Sheriff played by Alex Nicol. Bishop is also a better actor than Nicol. The plot twists are silly, but fun. For example, at one point, when you think there is going to be a battle between two gangs, the sheriff convinces everybody to throw their gun belts on a wagon. Surprisingly everybody does it. I just wondered how they were going to get the fifty or so gun belts redistributed back to their original owners when they left. There's some fun in watching Dennis Weaver (later "Gunsmoke" and "McCloud") in one of his earliest roles. He's fine. Also Jack Kelley who went on to play Bart Maverick in the television series is around in a slightly smaller part. Altogether, this is a rather pleasant 80 minutes. Maureen O'Hara, feminists and Western fans should especially enjoy it. Incidentally, costume designer, Edward Stevenson, went on to win an Oscar in 1960 for "the Facts of Life." He designed costumes for over 190 movies. Guess, everybody has an off-day.

Spoilers herein.I'm interested in the history of redheads in film. It is pretty remarkable, I think and one of the purest stereotypes - or collection of them - in all filmdom. That effectively means in all life.Ms O'Hara had just made the film that defined her - and reinforced a specific type of redhead - in 'The Quiet Man,' with John Wayne. You know, the feisty, fiery, sexy, stubborn, furrowed brow Irish lass, capable even of physical anger.Problem is that Maureen is a pretty unskilled actress. Other than the red hair and a torpedo bra, there isn't much there.Here we see an exploitation of all that, in technicolor so that we can see the hair. And yes, we have rough ridin, shooten, stubbornness, and sexiness (at least so far as the code allowed). There are a few scenic shots as well. Other than that, its as empty as Wayne's head.Ted's Evaluation -- 1 of 3: You can find something better to do with this part of your life.