Lawman
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Movie Reviews of Lawman
Movie Review: Excellent Late-Period Lancaster Western
Summary: 5 Stars
Lawman was definitely Michael Winner's precursor to his Death Wish films. The same themes of lawfulness vs. lawlessness and justice vs. vigilantism are explored here.
Lancaster plays Jered Maddox, a town marshal looking for the cowboys who shot up his town and killed a townsperson. He finds them in the town of Sabbath, where they work for the biggest cattleman in town. Maddox wants justice, and the cattleman doesn't want to give his men up for what he sees as an accident and a misunderstanding. Bloodshed ensues.
This was one of Lancaster's last Westerns, and in each of his Westerns, he maintained either one of two personas. He was either playing a serious, sober, by-the-book lawman or soldier, or he was playing a crazy, devil-may-care adventurer who may or may not have morals or scruples. He was definitely playing the latter in Lawman. His character is earnest and thoughtful, but has no gray area when comes to the law. You are either a law keeper or a lawbreaker with nothing in between.
This is a much neglected film, and I'm glad we didn't have to wait for it to be released on DVD.
Movie Review: One of my top 5 all time favorite Westerns
Summary: 5 Stars
The plotline is simple. Jarrod Maddox (Burt Lancaster), is an aging lawman, still extremely capable, who arrives in town and gives notice that the men involved in a killing will return with him for trial "or I'll kill them where they stand".What unfolds is truly interesting, given depth by the rich characterizations of Lee J. Cobb, Robert Ryan (two exceptional supporting actors), Albert Salmi, Joseph Wiseman, Sheree North and others (look for Robert Duvall in a pre-Godfather role, as well as Ralph Waite, pre-Waltons) and a story that does not move in a conventional direction.
More than once I have read reviews of this film that criticize its ending. I strongly disagree with this assessement. I think that the ending completes the drama fittingly. The ending is violent and disturbing, even dark, but this should lend itself toward reflection, not scorn.
Movie Review: CAN'T BE BEATEN
Summary: 5 Stars
Without a doubt the best western ever made, but not for the average western fan. The script is absolutely brilliant, and paced with quality lines all through the movie. Clint is bloody good, but Burt is "the man", and even Clint acknowledged his admiration for Burt Lancaster movies. I have watched this movie at least 6 times and never get sick or bored with it. It is the ultimate "mans man" type cowboy without any frills or gimmicks, just a plain, simple mature gunslinger type western. I notice other reviewers read too much into it, but i just love it for what it is. Sheree North is one hot broad in her prime, and I just love seeing the smart arse ranch gun hands get cut down by the ultimate professional. Also buy Valdez Is Coming - you'll love it too.
Buy them at any price if you love a really good western confrontation.
Movie Review: Nearly Forgotten Masterpiece
Summary: 5 Stars
Filmed during the closing days of the golden age of western movies, Burt Lancaster as Jared Maddox is surrounded by one of the best casts ever assembled for a western film... Lee J. Cobb, Robert Ryan, Sheree North and a supporting cast of old pro actors we loved to see in films four decades back; J. D. Cannon, Ralph Waite, Albert Salmi, John Beck, and a gaggle of unforgettable faces who spiked, sparked and seasoned great theatrical films, as well as episodic television back in the era. This is a great study of ethics mixed into a potent brew of the human condition. What do you do to carry out your duties--compromise or remain unbending? It might take those who watch this classic but nearly forgotten tale the rest of their lives to find their own personal answer.Movie Review: Ride with an outlaw you die with an out law.
Summary: 5 Stars
"Lawman" is one of those movies that draws the hard line between right and wrong. And shows how in the old west even a good man had
to pay for stepping over the line. An old school western theme with great characters. 5 stars because it pulls no punches.