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Ride Lonesome

1959, Movie, NR, 74 mins

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Using all the elements of B westerns (as well as Eastmancolor and CinemaScope) RIDE LONESOME is an intelligent western making good use of old formulas. Eternal hero Scott (who served as executive producer) is a bounty hunter looking for the murderer Best. At first it seems that Scott merely wants the money but eventually it is revealed that the bounty hunter hopes Best will lead him to his brother, Van Cleef, who murdered Scott's wife. Along the way Scott picks up Steele, a young widow, and a pair of outlaws also looking for Best--Coburn (in a fine film debut) and Roberts. The outlaw duo hope Best's capture will lead to a pardon. In the end Scott avenges Van Cleef's deed and allows Roberts to turn in Best, thus collecting their pardon. Scott rides off with Steele to begin a new life. The film is full of sharp dialog and a variety of good performances, ranging from Scott's sternness to the comedy of Best as a giggling killer. Full of ironies in the script as well as gorgeous scenery, RIDE LONESOME is refreshing with its clever reworking of old stereotypes and themes. leave a comment
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