Strange Lady in Town

Greer Garson was 51 when she made this movie, and still beautiful. I say "still" because in Hollywood in that era 40 was considered over-the-hill for a leading lady, so kudos to the studio for having her play the lead, and not someone's aunt or spinster older sister. Unfortunately, this movie doesn't have a lot going for it outside of Greer's considerable charm and acting ability. I'm a fan of Dana Andrews, but as others have noted, his acting style does not compliment Greer's, and his character is such a mean-spirited misogynistic jerk that it's hard not to intensely dislike him. Of course we know we're being set up for the ultimate romantic happy ending, but that's another issue with this movie. Everything is predictable.

Maybe the most interesting aspect of "Strange Lady in Town" is the chance to see a young Lois Smith in a major role. She went on to a very long, distinguished career as a character actress in movies and TV. (literally now in her 7th decade). Her 'Spurs' in "Strange Lady" is a little bit out there, but that's been true of many of her roles over the years. I recently saw her as an emotionally disturbed psychic on an episode of "Route 66" from the early '60s. She was a favorite of that show's producers, and made several appearances.

It's 1880 Santa Fe, New Mexico. Dr. Julia Winslow Garth newly arrives in town from back east. She's an oddity. She's a woman AND a doctor.

The most interesting actor for me is Lois Smith who plays Spurs O'Brien. I've only known her as an old woman. It's weird to see her as a fetching twenty something. It would have been interesting to see a buggy crash after a buggy chase. This western romance struggles to be interesting. There is no heat in the lead romance which generates no tension. Greer Garson starts off interesting but only for being a doctor. Dana Andrews is doing nothing after screaming for his buggy. The two of them really face no real hurdle. There is more energy in Spurs' crush. At least, that has a bit of drama. At two hours, this simply drags on too long with no intensity.

I watched this on TCM first, didn't think it good enough to keep, though there were parts I really liked. I'm a big fan of both Garson and Andrews- I thought Garson's character well-acted and inspirational (strong, principled, etc.), while Andrews' was bizarre and his character development made little sense. He acted like a nutcase. This had partly to do with the writing, of course. That said, there were lofty, and quite profound, ahead-of-their-time ideas expressed (like "enabling"), one reason I think it worth watching. Also, I found the character development of supplemental characters (Garson's brother and Andrews' daughter) intriguing and integral to the plot. The main critique I have is of Andrews' whacko behavior and a failure to show how he went from point A to point B. The way Latinos were depicted was also cringe-worthy. But I never found the film boring, and I liked the ending.

While not a classic, a truly enjoyable film with a favorite star of mine, Greer Garson. Dana Andrews is also a fine actor and plays his part with convincing sincerity. Mitchell is also a fine actor but does seem to be acting, more so than Greer Garson or Dana Andrews. The Billy the Kid segment is a bit over the top, but OK. The young lady is GREAT!Wish I had been able to see more of her. The theme song is a fine one. Frankie Lane never acquired the acclaim he should have had, either. However, it was evidently a forgettable tune, but one I know by heart. Dana Andrews is a doctor, soured on life since the death of his wife. He is raising a daughter, while being the only M.D. in a small village, in the old west. Into town drives Greer Garson. A brilliant woman who has studied medicine in Europe and has several new techniques to try to update the staid, older doctor. Sparks fly and so do the tempers.

For Greer Garson's first film after leaving MGM she chose a western the only one in her career. Strange Lady In Town casts her as a woman doctor come to settle in Santa Fe, New Mexico territory. Her brother Cameron Mitchell is already there serving in the army. Also there is another doctor played by Dana Andrews who isn't crazy about the new competition. Dana's tomboyish daughter Lois Smith does like the new doctor however and Greer starts teaching Lois some feminine ways.

Garson with a new knowledge of medical advances pretty much shows up Andrews in many ways. But Dana's a bit confused here between jealousy and a little desire. Truth be told he behaves until almost the end of the film like a bit of a lout.

Mitchell however is a real bad one, somebody whom the army failed to discipline. His actions cause a crisis of conscience for Garson even with all the good work she's done.

Greer does look a little lost in the wide open west, but then again her part does call for her to be a fish out of water. Strange Lady In Town which seems to have anticipated Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman is a nice tale and there's a nice little bit performance by Nick Adams as Billy The Kid.

I think western fans and Garson fans will approve.