Am Tode vorbei

One of those unusual westerns with two women as the central characters... such as in "Johnny Guitar" and "Jubilee Trail," among others. During the Civil War in a town run by ruthless people, bad Kate has it in for darling Sally but stay tuned to the climactic ending to see how this all works out. Definitely a cheap oater with few production values, but it does have lively performances from Joan Leslie and Audrey Totter. If you know these actresses, then you know who plays whom. Fourth-billed Leslie is actually the star of this dopey-titled film and is always a joy to watch. For those who love women fight scenes, this has one of the fun ones. So glad I have it on my homemade VHS as this little-seen film is unlikely to ever be on DVD.

The immortal silent movie's director Allan Dwann still alives in talked movies and made a outstanding and prolific career with more than 400 movies, probably never will be surpassed nowadays, this western wasn't any kind of forgotten gem or something like that, just a different kind, where the women are the major stars, Joan Leslie as new Saloon's owner, Audrey Totter as a evil and bitter Quantrill's wife and Nina Varela as the City's Mayor, all them strong and powerful, the story is usual, took place during the civil war!!

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First watch: 2017 / How many: 1 / Source: DVD / Rating: 7

This may be a Republic B-western, but it is an action-packed and highly entertaining melodrama under the skillful hand of veteran director Alan Dwan. Not only that, but a year before the cult classic JOHNNY GUITAR, we have another feminist western with both a barroom brawl and a shootout between two women, in this case Joan Leslie and Audrey Totter, as well as a tough female mayor who owns the local lead mine. We also get appearances by Frank and Jesse James and the Younger brothers, riding with Quantrill's raiders at the end of the Civil War.

Nevertheless, putative stars Brian Donlevy (as Quantrill) and John Lund (as the mine foreman) take a back seat to the women as far as the action and main plot go. Even longtime Republic star Reed Hadley barely makes an appearance (as Leslie's brother) before being shot down in the first reel, giving the plot its "inciting action," since his younger sister must now take over the saloon he owns and the debts he owes. The film's only faults are some tedious expositions presented through a couple of pretty heavy-handed dialogue scenes towards the beginning and again towards the end. Otherwise, there are lots of unpredictable variations on the genre, especially for a Republic western. There are even a couple of songs, sung by Audrey Totter as a saloon singer.

I do not write many reviews. However I feel compelled to write this 1 about a film I had never hear of.

I am a big fan of westerns and chanced upon this movie. And I found it a very well made and fun movie. The cast on a whole from saloon gals, to mayor and city committee, to bar employee, to confederate and union soldiers including Quantrell raiders, and city folk really seemed to enjoy their roles. My guess this film was a gas to make. The writing was good with appearances of Jesse James and Cole Younger. And directed well by somebody who had many years of experience.

Overall I gave this movie an 8. High rating for a entertaining movie!

The movie is unusual because the ladies are the powerful ones in this movie. Audrie Totter is the cowgirl Emma Peel Because of her sexy leather pants and riding boots. Audrey is also the opposite of Emma because of her evil disposition. Warren O'Leary.