Die Geier von Carson City

Probably my favourites from director Harmon Jones whose CANYON RIVER was also excellent. But concerning this one, I don't know why, there is something that I like. Characters symphony, story, and the cast, so prestigious for such a small western: John Doucette, Leo Gordon in one of his earliest roles; and of course Richard Boone. I would say: forget Dale Robertson. Yes, I definitely have tenderness for this western, for its charm, despite the fact that there is not that much surprise in the end. Only enjoy the watch. I forgot that Twentieth century Fox made such small films in the fifties, and not only Universal, Republic or Paramount. One of the most offbeat showdown in the western history. Besides TERROR IN A TEXAS TOWN of course.

This movie essentially begins with a small group of mercenaries, who had fought on the losing side in the Mexican Civil War, riding back to the United States with very little to show for their efforts. So, to remedy that situation, their leader, "Brett Sullivan" (Dale Robertson) has come up with a plan for them to rob the bank in the sparsely populated town of Carson City, Nevada and then ride off before any of the villagers can do anything about it. Unfortunately, when they finally ride into town, they are shocked to discover that it has grown quite a bit since they were there six years earlier. Not only that, but it also just happens to be hosting a heavyweight boxing championship that is bringing in visitors from all around as well. So, rather than continuing on with their earlier plan, Brett quickly devises a new scheme that involves stealing the $100,000 prize fund from the boxing match instead. But to do that, he must also contend with two other gangs of outlaws who share a similar interest in this money as well. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that this was an okay Western which benefited from solid acting from several actors including Richard Boone (as "Johnny Ringo"), Lloyd Bridges ("Gar Stanton"), Jeanne Crain ("Linda Culligan") and the aforementioned Dale Robertson. One slight criticism I have is that it also contained a number of sub-plots which, I believe, could have used a bit more development. But that's just a minor issue. Be that as it may, I thought still thought it was good enough for the time spent and I have rated it accordingly. Average.

Offbeat, if predictable, color western of the early '50s, with a cast of big name major players. See it at YouTube, at present(2018)

The plot surrounds the designs of 3 small outlaw gangs to make off with the substantial take of ticket sales and bets on the historic heavyweight bout between "Gentleman" Jim Corbet and challenger Bob Fitzsimmons in Carson City, Nevada, shortly before the turn of the century. Dale Robertson is the well-spoken tall dark and handsome leader of one of these gangs, a strong cue that he is the leading man of this yarn. The leaders of the 3 gangs and the sheriff seem all too familiar and chummy with each other to ring true. As 3 supposedly notorious outlaw gangs, one would think the sheriff would have at least one outstanding warrant against each. Instead, he offers to deputize the leaders of each, to supposedly ensure that their gangs won't pull any shenanigans during this big media event. The other 2 leaders immediately turn down this offer, but Robertson eventually accepts it and arm twists the other two very reluctant leaders to follow suit. Of course, each still plans to make off with the bonanza, together, if not alone.

Jean Crain, as the one time girlfriend of Robertson, doesn't get much screen time, despite top billing. She is the romantic object contested between Robertson and man-about-town Jim London. Crain and Robertson go back and forth several times about whether they want to hook up again, but we can guess the eventual outcome, after Robertson decides which side of the law he wants to be on.

Richard Boone plays Johnny Ringo, leader of one of the gangs. If that name sounds familiar, "the" Johnny Ringo was a notorious badman in Texas and around Tombstone, AZ, and enemy of the Earp brothers, with as much legends as facts surrounding his name. You will no doubt encounter his name occasionally in other Westerns. Since we have an exact date for the present yarn, in the fight, I can say that "the" Johnny Ringo had been in the grave for 15 years. An imposter? Lloyd Bridges plays Robertson's brother(as different in looks from Robertson as one can image brothers to be!) Lloyd doesn't buy into his brother's ambiguity as to which side of the law he wants to be on, and eventually comes to grief.

The fight itself receives minimal screen time and appears a rather dull affair. The champs look to have pitifully ordinary physiques compared to present day contenders. Could have used Errol Flynn to give the fight a bit of charisma. At least they got it right that Fitzsimmons emerged the new heavyweight champion(but reportedly only after his wife yelled a new punching strategy during a bout).

Robertson, Boone, Betz, the lovely Matthews and the always great Bridges bring fine performances to this western with a "hook." The hook here is Fitzsimmons/Corbett boxing match held in Carson City, and our heroes are going to attempt to run off with the gate. The fight takes backseat to the romance and intrigue leading up to the big day. Of course our hero does the right thing, but it is interesting to watch how he gets to the right side of the law.

"City of Bad Men" is unusual in that although much of the film is fictional, the setting is quite real. In 1897, Carson City, Nevada, of all places, hosted the heavyweight boxing championship of the world! The story begins as the two boxers, Jim Corbett and Bob Fitzsimmons are in training there in Nevada...readying themselves for this match.

In the midst of all the hubbub associated with the match, Brett Stanton (Dale Robertson) and his gang of thugs arrive. It seems Stanton is from Carson City but he and his men have been gone six years and they chose now to return. At the same time, two other gang leaders are in town and between the three gangs, there's no way the Sheriff and his men can maintain order. So, the Sheriff makes an odd proposal...that the three gang leaders be deputized to help him maintain order....which sounds rather nutty! What's next? See the film.

While I did find some of the plot tough to believe, particularly Stanton's actions and motivations, I did enjoy the film and the final confrontation with Ringo was pretty amazing...and exciting. Overall, however, I really liked the film for one big reason...it lacked most of the usual clichés you expect in westerns.