16 recensioni
- bkoganbing
- 11 ott 2005
- Permalink
The Bounty Killer is directed by Spencer Gordon Bennet and written by Ruth Alexander and Leo Gordon. It stars Dan Duryea, Rod Cameron, Audrey Dalton, Richard Arlen, Buster Crabbe, Fuzzy Knight and Johnny Mack Brown. Music is by Ronald Stein and cinematography by Frederick E. West.
Willie Duggans (Duryea) arrives in the Wild West and quickly becomes exposed to its violence. Finding that big money can be made by bringing in bad guys, he takes up arms and plans to make enough money to set him up for a future with Carole Ridgeway (Dalton), a beautiful saloon singer. But the job isn't easy, physically, emotionally and mentally.
It's a film that asks some forgiveness from Western fans, you are asked to accept Duryea being too old for the role, some iffy production issues, coincidences and some giant leaps of faith. Yet if you can do that and just roll with its high energy willingness to keep the Western traditional in the mid 60s? Then this is better than a time waster.
Ultimately it's a message movie about the cycle of violence and how said violence can corrupt the most amiable of minds. The screenplay deftly brings in to the equation the roles of normal outsiders who don't mind violence as long as it is for their own ends, something which brings the best sequence in the film to the fore and lets Duryea once again show his class. Backing the superb Duryea is a roll call of Western movie veterans, all of which - with the leading man - make for a reassuring presence at our Oater dinner table. Neatly photographed out of the Corriganville and Glenmoor ranches in California, this may be a "B Western" trying to keep the traditional Western afloat in the mid 60s, but it's honourable in intent and entertains the Western faithful royally. 7/10
Willie Duggans (Duryea) arrives in the Wild West and quickly becomes exposed to its violence. Finding that big money can be made by bringing in bad guys, he takes up arms and plans to make enough money to set him up for a future with Carole Ridgeway (Dalton), a beautiful saloon singer. But the job isn't easy, physically, emotionally and mentally.
It's a film that asks some forgiveness from Western fans, you are asked to accept Duryea being too old for the role, some iffy production issues, coincidences and some giant leaps of faith. Yet if you can do that and just roll with its high energy willingness to keep the Western traditional in the mid 60s? Then this is better than a time waster.
Ultimately it's a message movie about the cycle of violence and how said violence can corrupt the most amiable of minds. The screenplay deftly brings in to the equation the roles of normal outsiders who don't mind violence as long as it is for their own ends, something which brings the best sequence in the film to the fore and lets Duryea once again show his class. Backing the superb Duryea is a roll call of Western movie veterans, all of which - with the leading man - make for a reassuring presence at our Oater dinner table. Neatly photographed out of the Corriganville and Glenmoor ranches in California, this may be a "B Western" trying to keep the traditional Western afloat in the mid 60s, but it's honourable in intent and entertains the Western faithful royally. 7/10
- hitchcockthelegend
- 17 giu 2015
- Permalink
I have just seen this old western on spike TV (UK) today 10/11/16, it was fun to pick out the older stars who at one time or another were top billing in their day.
I spotted the Sheriff was Johnny Mack Brown, Richard Arlen, Buster Crab, Bob Steel who was a B movie star in his early days I did not spot that the love interest was Audrey Dalton, until the credits rolled, all in all a good film if a touch one paced. Dan Duryea was good value as usual, his best roles for me were when he opposite Audie Murphy, they did a few films together and seemed to hit it off. I try to keep up with the movie channels here, in the hope that some of these old westerns are shown, we have nothing to match these old films today, and quite frankly there are not the suitable actors around who could do these parts.
I spotted the Sheriff was Johnny Mack Brown, Richard Arlen, Buster Crab, Bob Steel who was a B movie star in his early days I did not spot that the love interest was Audrey Dalton, until the credits rolled, all in all a good film if a touch one paced. Dan Duryea was good value as usual, his best roles for me were when he opposite Audie Murphy, they did a few films together and seemed to hit it off. I try to keep up with the movie channels here, in the hope that some of these old westerns are shown, we have nothing to match these old films today, and quite frankly there are not the suitable actors around who could do these parts.
- mrbarryandmollyjsmith
- 9 nov 2016
- Permalink
- searchanddestroy-1
- 25 gen 2014
- Permalink
Dan Duryea -- innocent(!?) and decent rube from Vermont, goes west and decides to become a bounty hunter. Embittered by circumstances, he becomes the mean, Dan Duryea-esquire sneering nasty man known as the BOUNTY KILLER.
This episodic movie, chock full of old western stars, is a real frustration, because the elements to an Anthony Mann style western are there -- an intriguing premise, great acting by Duryea in the second half of the movie, and malicious murder of a cheerful sidekick. But...
Well, first and foremost, the role is written for someone who is no older than 30 and who can play somewhat clueless innocence. Duryea looks every bit of 55, which makes his pursuit of the young, pretty heroine a touch creepy. Also, for the first half of the movie, Duryea's attempt to portray youthful innocence is simply awful. Oddly enough -- for someone who, by all accounts, was a nice guy who only married once -- Duryea cannot carry off nice and he really cannot carry off clueless. It is a relief when the script, about 30 minutes in, finally allows him to be sly and tricky. (The performance gets much better when circumstances turn Duryea bitter -- and he gets to show us a darn good depiction of a good man gone drunk and evil.)
Secondly, this movie was made on the cheap, and it shows badly. All the outdoor dramatic scenes take place on the same cheesy "outdoor" set, with a photograph of the desert mountains serving as a backdrop to the plastic trees.
Third, the plot has some big old holes and lines that no actor could make sound right. Also, the ending, alas, is really, really, really predictable.
All in all, this movie is worth seeing, but it probably won't seem that way until you've gotten through 30 minutes of the movie. Fans of the genre should stick it out.
This episodic movie, chock full of old western stars, is a real frustration, because the elements to an Anthony Mann style western are there -- an intriguing premise, great acting by Duryea in the second half of the movie, and malicious murder of a cheerful sidekick. But...
Well, first and foremost, the role is written for someone who is no older than 30 and who can play somewhat clueless innocence. Duryea looks every bit of 55, which makes his pursuit of the young, pretty heroine a touch creepy. Also, for the first half of the movie, Duryea's attempt to portray youthful innocence is simply awful. Oddly enough -- for someone who, by all accounts, was a nice guy who only married once -- Duryea cannot carry off nice and he really cannot carry off clueless. It is a relief when the script, about 30 minutes in, finally allows him to be sly and tricky. (The performance gets much better when circumstances turn Duryea bitter -- and he gets to show us a darn good depiction of a good man gone drunk and evil.)
Secondly, this movie was made on the cheap, and it shows badly. All the outdoor dramatic scenes take place on the same cheesy "outdoor" set, with a photograph of the desert mountains serving as a backdrop to the plastic trees.
Third, the plot has some big old holes and lines that no actor could make sound right. Also, the ending, alas, is really, really, really predictable.
All in all, this movie is worth seeing, but it probably won't seem that way until you've gotten through 30 minutes of the movie. Fans of the genre should stick it out.
- alonzoiii-1
- 21 mag 2008
- Permalink
- classicsoncall
- 17 ott 2015
- Permalink
What absolute nonsense that a previous reviewer states that Mr. Dureya cannot carry off nice in this film. The guy was acting for over 30 years and was a brilliant, versatile actor. Sure , he could play villains to perfection and because of this was well known and cast in these parts. But during his 30 years of film acting he frequently was cast as a good guy and he played these roles well.The Bounty Killer does ask too much in his age, sure, the part was written for a younger guy but as Dureya is so exceptionally good as the naive easterner it still works well.It's a wonderful film, it's low budget but it's a fine well acted and well written western.
- LordOfAll777
- 30 mag 2008
- Permalink
I gave this movie a look because of some of the cast members, then found myself watching it because I couldn't believe how hilariously bad it was.
With one of the most cliché-riddled scripts and some of the most horrific acting, the cast and crew created one of the worst movies I've ever seen. It was so bad, in fact, I think if I were a self-respecting cast member I would have pooled my money with my fellow actors, bought up all of the prints and hauled them off into the desert for a decent burial.
Why anyone would distribute this flick; theater owner would exhibit it; a backwoods TV station/network would buy it, is beyond me. Unless you too are in need of a good laugh, don't waste your time on this turkey!
With one of the most cliché-riddled scripts and some of the most horrific acting, the cast and crew created one of the worst movies I've ever seen. It was so bad, in fact, I think if I were a self-respecting cast member I would have pooled my money with my fellow actors, bought up all of the prints and hauled them off into the desert for a decent burial.
Why anyone would distribute this flick; theater owner would exhibit it; a backwoods TV station/network would buy it, is beyond me. Unless you too are in need of a good laugh, don't waste your time on this turkey!
- bristolm99
- 12 mag 2015
- Permalink
Having arrived fresh in town from the East, Willie Duggan (Dan Duryea) soon gets a lesson in the ways of the Wild West when he gets into a fight for chatting to another man's woman, Carole (Audrey Dalton). Fortunately for the naive Willie, gun fighter Johnny Liam (Rod Cameron) comes to his rescue and tells Willie he needs to wise up and to do it quickly. In need of some money Willie takes a job guarding a payroll and when he has a run in with some outlaws he learns of the bounty on the leader's head and decides bringing outlaws in would be a good way to make money. Things don't go to plan when he has a run in with Mike Clayman (Buster Crabbe) who kills his partner and leaves Willie for dead but after recovering from his injuries Willie is hell bent on getting revenge.
The Bounty Killer, which features a fine cast of mature actors, has an interesting idea about how a naive guy can turn into a monster, has a grand performance by Dan Duryea as tenderfoot turned bounty hunter, though the tenderfoot part was a bit forced, has some good action, but it's a bit too slow paced and not too exciting. Ok western, but not great.
The Bounty Killer, which features a fine cast of mature actors, has an interesting idea about how a naive guy can turn into a monster, has a grand performance by Dan Duryea as tenderfoot turned bounty hunter, though the tenderfoot part was a bit forced, has some good action, but it's a bit too slow paced and not too exciting. Ok western, but not great.
This started out being a rather charming western but quickly devolved into waaaay to much killing for my taste. But the worst death for me was not of a person, but of a horse.
Toward the last third of the movie, a character shoots a horse and rider running downhill. The horse tumbles head over heels repeatedly and the scene changes without the animal getting back up. There is no way this horse wasn't seriously injured or killed. As a horse owner, it's hard for me to believe anyone would do this to any animal in the name of 'entertainment'. It ruined the movie for me - very sad to think of how lax hollywood was about the humane treatment of animals. I hope it's truly better in present times.
Toward the last third of the movie, a character shoots a horse and rider running downhill. The horse tumbles head over heels repeatedly and the scene changes without the animal getting back up. There is no way this horse wasn't seriously injured or killed. As a horse owner, it's hard for me to believe anyone would do this to any animal in the name of 'entertainment'. It ruined the movie for me - very sad to think of how lax hollywood was about the humane treatment of animals. I hope it's truly better in present times.
- mommaheartsya-48022
- 27 ago 2022
- Permalink
This could have been quite a decent western adventure were it nor for the surprisingly weak effort from Dan Duryea. He ("Duggan") arrives out west where he is shocked by the lawlessness and violence he encounters. Determined to make a decent living for himself and his gal "Carole" (Audrey Dalton) he takes up as a bounty hunter, but has he the strength of character not to become subsumed by greed and violence himself? To be blunt, Duryea is just not at his best here, and at nearly 60 years of age is not remotely convincing as the naive man he is supposed to be; unless he has been in kindergarten for an awfully long time. The story is decent, the film keeps moving along well enough, and the supporting efforts from Randolph Scott lookalike Rod Cameron and Buster Crabbe keep it off the rocks, but unfortunately too much of the plot and the storyline depend on the implausible efforts of the leading man.
- CinemaSerf
- 4 set 2024
- Permalink
This amazing and wonderfully evocative film is one of the last films for the fine character actor Dan Dureya. This film provides him with a star role and it is a tour DE force performance. A wonderful cast of b western actors give magnificent support and Audrey Dalton shines as the love interest. Fuzzy Knight gives his best ever screen performance in a poignant role. Buster Crabbe makes a fine villain and Richard Arlen also effective.About the youngest guy is Peter Dureya - this is Dan's son and his role has a chilling significance for the film, you will have to watch it to see why. This western was penned by actor Leo Gordon and it's a strong study of character. Dureya plays an innocent tenderfoot arriving in the west from the civilised East. As he encounters the different characters of the film he absorbs them and totally changes in attitude. At first he is a nice, gentle guy but after witnessing a killing by bad guy Rod Cameron ( who in fact saves his life by doing so ) he sets out to earn money- eventually he becomes a bounty killer and then out for revenge he chases a whole gang . determined to eliminate them all. The ending is memorable and a fitting end to a wonderful film. Long neglected, try and search this one out , it will reward you with a viewing treat. One of the finest westerns ever and all shot on a shoe string. 10 out of 10 without any low points at all.
- zebulonguy
- 1 mag 2007
- Permalink
I grew up watching movie matinée at 4:00 after school. Immediately after, my brother and I went outside to recreate what we had seen. We were awesome. Most movies these days don't catch my attention, but when I saw the cast of this one, I was taken back to another time.
Bounty Hunter was more than I could have asked.....not quite as predictable as most, and with some lessons to be learned. Oh, my gosh, Johnny Mack Brown, Bob Steele! Never understood what a sawed off double barreled shot gun loaded with cannon sized shells could do. Yikes, 3 in one shot! Well enough. I liked it sufficiently to research it. When I found out who his final killer was in real life, it rocked me for a moment. The person who said the actor was too old.....awwww gimmee a break.
Bounty Hunter was more than I could have asked.....not quite as predictable as most, and with some lessons to be learned. Oh, my gosh, Johnny Mack Brown, Bob Steele! Never understood what a sawed off double barreled shot gun loaded with cannon sized shells could do. Yikes, 3 in one shot! Well enough. I liked it sufficiently to research it. When I found out who his final killer was in real life, it rocked me for a moment. The person who said the actor was too old.....awwww gimmee a break.
- gramawphyl
- 15 ott 2011
- Permalink
- grizzledgeezer
- 16 lug 2016
- Permalink
- mark.waltz
- 23 set 2024
- Permalink