Le bandit

An excellent little western that shows what can be done with a good story, little money, character actors and inspired direction(i.e. with no studio interference). The story unfolds in a slow but well-controlled tempo and proceeds to show how greed changes a kind-hearted man and his family into vicious money-hungry people. Edgar Ulmer, a much underrated but top-grade director, knows how to bring out the deepest and most secret feelings of his characters, through the excellent direction of his actors (Arthur Kennedy gives the best performance of his career) and create tension and the right atmosphere. On the level of John Ford's "Wagonmaster"! Should be seen and enjoyed more often. Makes you want to see more of Ulmer's works. Andreas-27

If for the first half of this drama, you can go through the typical Hollywood depiction of Mexico and its people (dancing flamenco and shouting "Olé"), you will enjoy this tale of greed and treason among common folks, related to one another in different ways. Never mind the mixture of Spanish elements with the Mexican: the description of Mexican culture (which is key to the story, though not essential) is not even offensive, but plainly cheap, funny and sometimes embarrassing for the cast, although Charlita seems to enjoy every minute of her part as a kind of Tongolele lost in a dusty cantina. Since the central plot is interesting enough by itself, we can overlook all the kitsch, for what is being told is universal: how human beings can become negative from one moment to the next, by ambition and lust for material possession. All the three leads are quite effective. I really had never seen Arthur Kennedy so good in a role, practically having the whole film on his shoulders; beautiful Betta St. John is a bit out of range in her dramatic scenes, but she is more convincing here than in those Tarzan movies with Gordon Scott; while Eugene Iglesias is intense enough to suggest the emergence of a lout in less than half a day. As in all of Edgar G. Ulmer's films, no matter how big or small the budget, the visuals are good. The ingredient I enjoyed the less was the proto-Morriconesque score by composer Herschel Burke Gilbert, who could have benefited by going to Plaza Garibaldi in México City and have some tequila and tacos, sing with a mariachi band, and listen to rancheras and other typical Mexican musical forms.

There is something very likable about this low budget, "poetic" story of an aging outlaw who comes upon the small farm of an ambitious peon and his willful wife. The atmosphere is a bit thick perhaps, constant philosophizing in a "poetic" Spanish accent, with a guitar playing in the background. But Kennedy is particularly good as the outlaw, worldly-wise and mellow with flashes of toughness, anger and cynicism. The other players carry their weight well enough, though Iglesias sometimes goes a bit overboard with his characterization of the naive, greedy young man. There's not much to the story, but it's well told. Here, certainly, is a film that, whatever its ultimate virtues, is unique. Though the subject makes it a Western, the style (as well as the Mexican setting and the apparent thirties time-frame) makes it something completely different. This is the sort of film one expects from Ulmer's reputation; small but personal. I really did like it, but I don't know if I would go as far as Francois Truffaut: "Poetic and violent, tender and droll, moving and subtle, joyously energetic and wholesome... reminds us inevitably of Renoir and Ophuls."

This movie provides the viewer with an opportunity to see a truly gifted,if unsung actor, in a role that he owns. Arthur Kennedy played many supporting roles in the 40's and 50's and was nominated five times for an Oscar as Best Supporting Actor. During that time he acted for most of the outstanding directors of the period and with actors like Mitchum,Sinatra,Douglas,to name a few. Long overdue for a memorable starring role, he finally has the lead in this movie. As Santiago he demonstrates how callousness and gentleness of spirit can reside believably in the same person. His contact with th peasant couple ultimately changes forever their views of the future as well as his own and final redemption. This is a movie one can see only on TV late shows. A pity, but if you're lucky enough to catch it, you'll be rewarded. Guaranteed.

Decent but minor Mexico-set-Western about an enjoyable friendship-confrontation between Arthur Kennedy and Eugene Iglesias , while Betta St John turns out to be the third in discord . Nice but unexceptional Western adapted from a story written by Julian Zimet and loosely based on a short tale by Russian writer Maxim Gorky .This is the story of three people in love, a love that at the beginning doesn't affect their friendship, and about how their relationship evolving , but each person's relationship with the other two is complicated as it is not only based on their direct feelings for the person in question. It is In Mexico, at the dawn of the automobile and modern times , there a resourceful , jolly outlaw with anarchistic philosophy called Santiago (Arthur Kennedy) robs train freight cars , but things go wrong when he has just lost his intimate colleague. Stars Arthur Kennedy as the stranger who steps into the middle of an isolated farm and ends up befriending one young husband named Manuel (Eugene Iglesias) and his beautiful wife Maria (Betta St John) . The latter is a haplesss and hopeless woman who is mistreated by her hubby , while the drifter gets turned around by the simple farmer who subsequently becomes an ambitious person . Vera Cruz to Matamoros they stalked his desperate trail ! So close together ... only a bullet can separate them !

A good little drama that takes place in Mexico at the dawn of the automobile including thrills , loves stories , emotion , crossfire and better than the title suggests . An interesting a strange movie that allegedly inspired Jules at Jim by Francois Truffaut , in fact the relation among Truffaut's roles : Oskar Werner , Jeanne Moreau , Henri Serre bears a certain resemblance to Arthur Kennedy , Betta St. John and Eugene Iglesias. Furthermore , displaying colorful cinematography by Frederick Gately , as well as evocative musical score by Herschel Burke Gilbert. Film relies heavily on the peculiar relationship among three protagonists Arthur Kennedy , Betta St. John , Eugene Iglesias . But , really here stands out Arthur Kennedy , in fact , this is one of Kennedy's best characters from his long career , usually as a great secondary actor . There he plays an adventurous hustler having a taste of the good life who burglarizes trains and along the way falls in love with a poor farmer's wife. While Betta St. John is pretty well as the gorgeous but unfortunate spouse of the hardworking and eventually reedemed farmer finely performed by Eugene Iglesias .

Being nicely shot on location in Mexico and Mack Sennett Studios , Silver Lake, Los Angeles, California . The picture was professionally directed by Edgar G. Ulmer . He was a prolific filmmaker who made all kinds of genres , directing acceptable films and here providing an intense pace though it results to be some dated. Adequate and professionally shot , being filmed in short time . Edgar was born on September 17, 1904 in Olmütz, Moravia, Czech Republic as Edgar George Ulmer. He was a notorious and prolific director and writer. At his beginnings he was blackballed from Hollywood work after he had an affair with Shirley Castle -he eventually married her and she became known as Shirley Ulmer-, who at the time was the wife of B-picture producer Max Alexander, a nephew of powerful Universal Pictures president Carl Laemmle. That's why Ulmer spent the bulk of his remaining career languishing at "Poverty Row" studios. He signed a long-term contract there in 1943 after directing the "big-budget" Jive Junction (1943), being especiallly known for Satanás (1934), Bluebeard (1944) , Detour (1945) , The Strange Woman (1946), People on Sunday (1930) , Aníbal (1959) , The Amazing Transparent Man (1960) , Beyond the Time Barrier (1960) , among others. Rating : 6.5/10. Well worth seeing.