Cidade do Mal

Robertson, Boone, Betz, the lovely Matthews and the always great Bridges bring fine performances to this western with a "hook." The hook here is Fitzsimmons/Corbett boxing match held in Carson City, and our heroes are going to attempt to run off with the gate. The fight takes backseat to the romance and intrigue leading up to the big day. Of course our hero does the right thing, but it is interesting to watch how he gets to the right side of the law.

This movie essentially begins with a small group of mercenaries, who had fought on the losing side in the Mexican Civil War, riding back to the United States with very little to show for their efforts. So, to remedy that situation, their leader, "Brett Sullivan" (Dale Robertson) has come up with a plan for them to rob the bank in the sparsely populated town of Carson City, Nevada and then ride off before any of the villagers can do anything about it. Unfortunately, when they finally ride into town, they are shocked to discover that it has grown quite a bit since they were there six years earlier. Not only that, but it also just happens to be hosting a heavyweight boxing championship that is bringing in visitors from all around as well. So, rather than continuing on with their earlier plan, Brett quickly devises a new scheme that involves stealing the $100,000 prize fund from the boxing match instead. But to do that, he must also contend with two other gangs of outlaws who share a similar interest in this money as well. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that this was an okay Western which benefited from solid acting from several actors including Richard Boone (as "Johnny Ringo"), Lloyd Bridges ("Gar Stanton"), Jeanne Crain ("Linda Culligan") and the aforementioned Dale Robertson. One slight criticism I have is that it also contained a number of sub-plots which, I believe, could have used a bit more development. But that's just a minor issue. Be that as it may, I thought still thought it was good enough for the time spent and I have rated it accordingly. Average.

Probably my favourites from director Harmon Jones whose CANYON RIVER was also excellent. But concerning this one, I don't know why, there is something that I like. Characters symphony, story, and the cast, so prestigious for such a small western: John Doucette, Leo Gordon in one of his earliest roles; and of course Richard Boone. I would say: forget Dale Robertson. Yes, I definitely have tenderness for this western, for its charm, despite the fact that there is not that much surprise in the end. Only enjoy the watch. I forgot that Twentieth century Fox made such small films in the fifties, and not only Universal, Republic or Paramount. One of the most offbeat showdown in the western history. Besides TERROR IN A TEXAS TOWN of course.

"City of Bad Men" is unusual in that although much of the film is fictional, the setting is quite real. In 1897, Carson City, Nevada, of all places, hosted the heavyweight boxing championship of the world! The story begins as the two boxers, Jim Corbett and Bob Fitzsimmons are in training there in Nevada...readying themselves for this match.

In the midst of all the hubbub associated with the match, Brett Stanton (Dale Robertson) and his gang of thugs arrive. It seems Stanton is from Carson City but he and his men have been gone six years and they chose now to return. At the same time, two other gang leaders are in town and between the three gangs, there's no way the Sheriff and his men can maintain order. So, the Sheriff makes an odd proposal...that the three gang leaders be deputized to help him maintain order....which sounds rather nutty! What's next? See the film.

While I did find some of the plot tough to believe, particularly Stanton's actions and motivations, I did enjoy the film and the final confrontation with Ringo was pretty amazing...and exciting. Overall, however, I really liked the film for one big reason...it lacked most of the usual clichés you expect in westerns.

City of Bad Men was released by 20th Century Fox in 1953. The story takes place in Carson City, Nevada in 1897. The whole territory is excited about a boxing match between Gentleman Jim Corbett & Bob Fitzsimmons. Several gangs of bad men converge on the town including Dale Robertson & his brother, Lloyd Bridges & another gang led by Richard Boone. A plot evolves to steal the large proceeds from this prizefight. Robertson meets up with old flame, Jeanne Crain, and begins to have 2nd thoughts about being involved in this robbery. Robertson & Crain look great together & should be remembered as on of the top romantic screen teams ( they were together previously on 1951's Take Care of my Little Girl ). Others in the cast included Carl Betz (later on the Donna Reed show) and Whitfield Connor who tries to marry Crain, but he's obviously no competition for our hero, Robertson.