The Road to Denver

Although this western is an enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours, everything in it is so predictable and the acting so mediocre that does not really worth anybody's time. True, it has some ideas, but it prefers the easy solutions right from the beginning. I have given it 4 out of 10.

Two brothers running from Texas due the younger found troubles wherever he goes, his name is Sam Mayhew (Skip Homeier), his mature old brother Bill Mayhew (John Payne) is already fed up about the bad behavior of the hothead Sam, he decides at last split apart and each one follow his own track, but both end up in the same city and falling in love for the same girl Elizabeth Sutton (Mona Freman), Bill finds a job in a stable where the owner John Sutton (Ray Middleton) having in my start a new business of stagecoach line until Denver which he becomes partner later, meanwhile the rebel Sam bumps into the big boss in town Jim Donovan (Lee J. Cobb), they stand in opposite sides without comment that both are actually brothers, the clash is a matter of time.

Republic Pictures already in decline process made this predicable and standard western, followed by a mindless screenplay in a so far-fetched story, specially the outcome, the true star certainly will turn down such foolish role as main character, quite sure wasn't the case of John Payne at this time, apart he was a decent actor indeed, two characters are noteworthy Lee J. Cobb as bad Boss who any further comment is expendable due its background and Skip Homeier as wayward guy has a perfect chemistry to the role and deliver all the producers expected, has another secondary character called Pecos that in upcoming years will becomes one most villains of all time Lee Van Cleef, another colorful character is the old stable guy Whipsaw Ellis (Andy Clay) lying all the time, he's worth as much as he weights, Mona Freeman is beauty woman enlightens the picture as unique female in town, all the others were background actress, let it see if you forget the obtuse storyline, otherwise don't waste your time.

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First watch: 1984 / How many: 2 / Source: TV-DVD / Rating: 6.

Skip Homeier is a young Texan with a temper. He and brother John Payne can't stay in one place for long before Homeier gets them in trouble. This time, he's in jail. Payne busts him out, and they asquatulate and part ways. Payne winds up in a town where he's working for ambitious businessman Ray Middleton, who has a pretty daughter who can cook in Mona Freeman. Along comes Homeier, who goes to work for the town's saloon owner and general no-goodnik Lee J Cobb. How long before the two brothers clash over money or jobs or Miss Freeman, and who will come out on top.

It's a very ahndsome shaky A western under the direction of the always reliable Joseph Kane. Kane doesn't waste much time in subtlety or subtext,but he does have his performers indulge in small business that lets you know he understands how to underline what's going on. Instead he tells his story, and it's a good one, performed by top actors.

Well, I expected more from this Republic western with seemingly more budget than usual and a good cast too: John Payne, Lee J Cobb, Skip Homeier, Lee Van Cleef; this sounds better than the usual Republic cast: Rod Cameron, Forrest Tucker, John Russell.... And I don't even speak of the Horace McCoy's script !!!! But the result is a bit flat for me, predictable. Good score though but that doesn't save the whole. It remains however an above average Republic Pictures western, don't misunderstand my review, I only showed my own opinion. This western has a good reputation anywway but I prefered MAVERICK QUEEN from the same Jo Kane.

This film essentially begins with two brothers from Texas with the first one named "Bill Mayhew" (John Payne) and the other one "Sam Mayhew" (Skip Homeier). Because Bill is older and more mature, he tries to mentor Sam as much as he can but finds great difficulty due to his younger brother's violent temper and selfish ways. As a result, they often find themselves drifting from one place to another either in search of jobs or simply trying to avoid the law. That said, after one particular incident, the two decide to take separate paths with Bill riding into the small town of Center City, Colorado looking for work. As luck would have it, he meets a cowboy by the name of "John Sutton" (Ray Middleton) who hires him to work in the local stable. And while this isn't a great job by any means, the pay is adequate and it has the added incentive in that he gets to socialize with John's attractive daughter "Elizabeth Sutton" (Mona Freeman) on a frequent basis. However, problems arise when Sam rides into town and not only becomes attracted to Elizabeth but also hires on as a gunman for a disreputable businessman named "Jim Donovan" (Lee J. Cobb) who seeks to move in on one of John Sutton's new ventures. Now, rather than reveal any more, let me just say that this turned out to be a decent Western due in large part to actors chosen for this film with Lee Van Cleef (as "Pecos Larry") performing in a secondary role. Be that as it may, while this certainly isn't a great Western by any means, I found it to be enjoyable enough and I have rated it accordingly. Slightly above average.