Plot: In the Old West, two men with vastly differing views on killing and Indians partner to hunt Buffalo. After killing a Sioux raiding party, one man takes a squaw for his own thereby leading to conflict and a showdown.
Pros: Robert Taylor, Several Location shots, Acting
Cons: Real Buffalo killed on screen, Miscast supporting actors, Too stage bound and talky, Mediocre Script
Produced by Liberal MGM producer Dory Shary this adult western is really another civil rights morality play with Psycho Robert Taylor (full of greed, a love of killing, and a hatred for "Injuns") is opposed by Good Guy Granger. There are a few good location shots and bursts of outdoor activity -but too much is shot on sound stage "campfires" and Hollywood backlots. There's much talk and little action, and the movie ends with a whimper not a bang. While Granger more or less convinces as a Westerner, the supporting cast fairs less well. Nolan is too urbane and nasal as the lovable old coot/sidekick ( ala Walter Brennan) while Deborah Paget is about as Indian as Myrna Loy. Justly characterized as bleak, it seems much longer than the 104 minute run time as Granger takes forever to break with the Psychotic Taylor. The on-screen Buffalo killing (done by National Park Rangers) adds nothing and manages to be both disgusting and boring at the same time.
Summary: Notable only for the excellent performance by Robert Taylor, otherwise a mediocre talky Western. People who dislike seeing Animals killed onscreen should avoid at all costs.
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