The Man from Laramie (1955)

So much average

Best movie ever!

A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

I came across this recently on TCM and watched it, soon realizing that I had seen it before previously. It definitely sustained a repeat viewing. For some reason, only with the second viewing did I realize what a superb movie this is, ranking right up there with "My Darling Clementine," "Red River," "The Shootist," and others. Anthony Mann of course had a great reputation as a director of Westerns and this is Exhibit A. Part of it is the superb screenplay, a richly textured, multi-levelled story involving family tension, jealousy, revenge, and rivalry. And of course the casting; anything with Jimmy Stewart, Donald Crisp, and Arthur Kennedy can't be bad. Then there is the superb cinematography of the Western expanses, among the best in any western I've seen. Altogether a richly gripping, expansive story.

THE MAN FROM LARAMIE is a pretty decent western teaming Jimmy Stewart with Anthony Mann for the last of their western collaborations throughout the 1950s. I've always loved Jimmy Stewart and he doesn't disappoint here either, playing a thoroughly likable trader who becomes involved with some dastardly landowners and stands alone against them through steadfast stubbornness.Stewart always brought a lightness of touch and warmth to his characters even when they weren't written as such and that's the case here. The plot is a typical one for a western but enlivened by some truly vicious scenes, particularly the early assault by Dave and his men which comes out of nowhere and is easily as gruelling as anything the modern-day likes of THE WALKING DEAD can care to throw at us.The film is well shot and pretty lively with always something of interest to keep you watching. Mann brings the isolated desert landscapes to life with decent cinematography and fills the screen with interesting performers including Arthur Kennedy playing a much more rounded character than you'd expect and Donald Crisp as the hard-headed patriarch. Mann even finds time to include Jack Elam in a small but memorable performance. THE MAN FROM LARAMIE isn't one of the best westerns out there but it's certainly an enjoyable one that ticks all of the right boxes.

Will Lockhart (James Stewart) drives a wagon train delivering supplies to reluctant store owner Barbara Waggoman (Cathy O'Donnell). Later he drop by at a salt flat to dig up some salt. He is confronted by vicious Dave Waggoman (Alex Nicol), the son of autocratic rancher Alec (Donald Crisp), who burns his wagon and shots his mules for trespassing. He is only saved by the arrival of ranch hand Vic Hansbro (Arthur Kennedy). Over the years, Alec had amassed a vast land holder. Meanwhile it's revealed that the local Apaches had massacred a group of soldiers, and somebody is about to sell them powerful repeating rifles.James Stewart is a solid good guy lead. Director Anthony Mann has created a fairly good looking western. This is a very solid western. It hints at something even more brutal and grittier story than what's on the screen. However the good guy persona of James Stewart and a few pulled punches from the bad guys held back something even more compelling. The bad guy should have tried to kill James Stewart after capturing him in the shoot out. There is just a sense that punches were held in a few points in the movie.

James Stewart came back from his time in the Air Force (during World War 2) and found he couldn't play the same roles he had been playing pre-war. Stewart was being introduced to a new audience. Anthony Mann helped him do that with a string of successful westerns, starting with Winchester '73 in 1950. This new persona stuck and Stewart generally acted in edgier roles going forward.The Man from Laramie is about a mysterious cowboy who rides in from Laramie with three wagons full of supplies for the local general store. We're eventually introduced to the real reason Will Lockhart, the man from Laramie, is here. He wants justice, maybe just revenge, for his late brother.Stewart and Arthur Kennedy headline an above average cast here. The acting is strong throughout and there are few true villains in this one. Each character is two dimensional with their own positives and negatives as we all are.