Rezension von Marlburian

The general plot is OK but there are too many implausibilities. Apparently oblivious to the extended fusillade as the gang rampage, the townsfolk continue their humdrum activities until they're surprised by a face-to-face confrontation. (The hoodlums' revolvers seemed to be at least 12-shooters.)

One is used to instant romances in films, especially in Westerns, but that between Tige and Sally was particularly unconvincing. Rather than coming over as sweet, she would have been better portrayed as a more of a wanton - one of the saloon girls, perhaps. When the sheriff returned to town after being ignominiously run out, he seemed to bear no animosity; it was even more so with Biff, who continued as a gang member after his very bitter fight with Tige.

Lon Chaney was effective as the bartender. I didn't recognise Virginia Mayo in her mid-forties; she did well as the slightly brassy saloon-owner. It was sad to see William Bendix's very brief appearances in his last film.

The most impressive acting was Rory Calhoun's as he crouched down in the wagon in the final shoot-out, his facial expressions contrasting with the traditional stoicism of the Western hero in a tight situation.