GUNFIGHTER, THE (1950, USA, 85m, U) ****
Western
dist. 20th Century Fox; pr co. Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation; d. Henry King; w. William Bowers, William Sellers (based on a story by William Bowers and André De Toth); pr. Nunnally Johnson; ph. Arthur C. Miller (B&W | 1.37:1); m. Alfred Newman; ed. Barbara McLean; ad. Richard Irvine, Lyle R. Wheeler.
cast: Gregory Peck (Jimmy Ringo), Helen Westcott (Peggy Walsh), Millard Mitchell (Marshal Mark Strett), Jean Parker (Molly), Karl Malden (Mac), Skip Homeier (Hunt Bromley), Anthony Ross (Deputy Charlie Norris), Verna Felton (Mrs. August Pennyfeather), Ellen Corby (Mrs. Devlin), Richard Jaeckel (Eddie), Alan Hale Jr. (First Brother (uncredited)), David Clarke (Second Brother (uncredited)), John Pickard (Third Brother (uncredited)), B.G. Norman (Jimmie Walsh (uncredited)), Angela Clarke (Mac’s Wife (uncredited)), Cliff Clark (Jerry Marlowe (uncredited)), Jean Inness (Alice Marlowe (uncredited)).
Compelling Western sees Peck as Jimmy Ringo, a veteran gunslinger known for being quick on the draw. His talent inevitably leads to trouble, with others constantly out to challenge him. All Ringo wants is to be reunited with his estranged family, but he must contend with various foes, including the ambitious young sharpshooter Hunt Bromley (Homeier). As Ringo attempts to reconcile with his wife, Peggy (Westcott), he finds that he can’t easily shake his violent past. A superior examination of the consequences of notoriety and reputation was performed by Peck, who received great support from Mitchell as his former colleague turned town marshal. Moodily shot by Miller.
