Gunman's Walk (1958)

Simple and well acted, it has tension enough to knot the stomach.

It's funny watching the elements come together in this complicated scam. On one hand, the set-up isn't quite as complex as it seems, but there's an easy sense of fun in every exchange.

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

I am only giving this movie a 1 for the great cast, though I can't imagine what any of them were thinking. This movie was horrible

As I love American B movies, Phil Karlson has always been one of my favorite director, with tough thrillers and westerns with very nasty fights and anti corruption subjects ("The Phenix City Story", "Walking Tall"). And always great tough actors, William Bishop, George Montgomery (wahh "The Texas Rangers"), John Payne, Richard Widmark and Joe Don Baker, around 15 B masterpieces. Some are still very hard to find.Twenty five years ago, I really wanted to see "Gunman's Walk", absolutely invisible. And the only way was to go to a museum and pay for the projection. This is how I discovered this pure treasure, a very strong story of a father facing a psychopathic son, incredibly played by Tab Hunter, completely possessed by madness, he is really scary. Lot of tense psychological details. The cinemascope by Charles Lawton Jr is pure genius and inventive, it is quite rare in westerns.When producer Harry Cohn saw that movie, "he was literally crying". And Harry Cohn said to Phil Karlson : "you're going to be the biggest director in this business and I'm going to make sure you are." Harry Cohn went to Phoenix, Arizona and died. (Phil Karlson in his only interview I know in the super book "King of the B's").

The western Novel written by author Ric Hardman, is the bases for this film called " Gunman's Walk. " But the title is deceptive. It should have been called, ' The violent seed, ' . Directed by Phil Karlson, it tells the story of a brooding, malcontented young man (Tab Hunter) who was raised by his father (Van Heflin) to be rough, tough, and hard drinking. What little discipline the father offered was misplace and shoddy. Anything which could torn from the land was acceptable, if not it could always be bought, traded for, or stolen. The law, as seen by the Hacketts' is seen as a hindrance and as a last resort. The Hackett name was a powerful brand which produced fear and often as not, the father saw to it no one stood in his way. James Darren, who plays Davy Hackett, is the other son which the father disliked, is believed to be a half breed and the weaker of the two boys. The movie is fast paced but shallow and tab Hunter is seen as caring the entire weight of the film on his wild shoulders. Still, for a 1950's a western, it marks a turning point for the country and for later sagas. ****

Van Heflin and Tab Hunter both deliver commanding performances in this quite gripping western about a hard as nails, old- time rancher father who wants both his son's to be tough and gun savvy. Trouble soon arises as the son played by Tab Hunter becomes too headstrong while the other son played by James Darren, insists he doesn't need a gun to prove his manhood. Problem is for some reason Van Heflin makes no bones about his approval for the son who is basically spoiled and ruthless. Grim reality sets in when Heflin realizes his son has become an out of control animal with no morals and basically must be put down by him. Although James Darren's role isn't quite as active as Hunters, he finely portrays the kind and gentler brother who falls in love with a half breed, played by Kathryn Grant. Even though the end of Hunters life is violent, there is a very touching scene between Heflin, Darren and Grant to close out the story. It is hard not to give a full synopsis of this powerful story, full of conflicts, tension and violence. I appreciated the story and strongly recommend the reader to watch this western film and decide for themselves.

Naughty blond Tab Hunter (as Ed Hackett) and nice brother James Darren (as Davy) clash with not only each other, but also their rancher father Van Heflin (as Lee). This interesting western focuses mainly on Mr. Hunter's character. The dependable Frank Nugent adapted it from a story by new writer Ric Hardman. The thesis appears to show how the philosophy, which built the "old west", does not survive through the next generation; it must adapt, or die. Hunter is disarming at first - which turns out to be exactly the point. He and Mr. Heflin, an asset in most every film, are very good. Their performances "tell" the story.Unfortunately, Mr. Darren hasn't much to do but stand around. His important character might have been better developed by having father Heflin reveal he sired Darren with what he refers to as a "squaw" - then decided the baby could pass as white. This would fit in nicely with the subplot involving attractive Kathryn Grant (as Clee Chouard), passing herself off here as what they are calling a "half breed". She has less to do than Darren does. "Gunman's Walk" misses some opportunities, but what's here is good. Director Phil Karlson and photographer Charles Lawton Jr. create a beautiful landscape for the characters.****** Gunman's Walk (7/15/58) Phil Karlson ~ Tab Hunter, Van Heflin, James Darren, Kathryn Grant