Angel and the Badman (1947)

What about the Bible? You can't throw it away, that would be bad luck. Angel and the Badman is written and directed by James Edward Grant. It stars John Wayne, Gail Russell, Harry Carey, Bruce Cabot, Irene Rich, Lee Dixon and Stephen Grant. Music is by Richard Hageman and cinematography by Archie J. Stout. Quirt Evans (Wayne), a notorious gunman is hurt and on the run. Taken in by The Worth's, a Quaker family, Quirt forms a "special" bond with daughter Penelope (Russell). With the law and other badmen on his tail, will Quirt change his ways before it's too late? John Wayne's first film as a producer and star is also his most romantic. That's not to say it lacks action or Wayne's fine tuning of his macho image is halted, because that's not the case, but this carries a dreamy like old fashioned value that has helped the film endear over the years. It's a touch too slow at times for its own good and runs for ten minutes longer than was needed, things that no doubt stunted its financial growth at the 1947 box office, but there is much to enjoy here. Technical values are high, from Stout's photography that beautifully realises locations in Sedona, Arizona (Monument Valley standing out, naturally!), to cast performances from Carey, Wayne and the gorgeous Miss Russell (chemistry unbound between the three actors), film never lacks for quality. Memorable scenes are plenty, such as The Duke sitting in a chair facing down three henchmen led by Cabot's Laredo Stevens; his gun empty, a free-for-all punch up in a saloon, and some very tender moments between Wayne and Russell. While narratively there's the deft pitching of Quaker values into a wild west setting. A lovely film which also manages to pump the adrenaline as well. 7.5/10 DVD version viewed was Region 2 taken out of the John Wayne Out West 6 film Box Set. A good quality black and white print.

***B&W John Wayne Western with romance (Gail Russell), action and interesting theme*** RELEASED IN 1947 and written & directed by James Edward Grant, “Angel and the Badman” is a Western starring John Wayne as a gunslinger in Arizona who finds temporary sanctuary with some pacifistic Quakers. And maybe love too with the beautiful daughter (Gail Russell). Bruce Cabot plays the gunman’s nemesis while Harry Carey plays the aged-but-still-formidable marshal. It’s too bad that this was shot in B&W because the locations are spectacular. Wayne was facing his 40th birthday when this was filmed, which is funny because the daughter’s mother (Irene Rich) keeps referring to how “young” he is. In any case, John was lean and relatively youthful-looking. On the other side of the spectrum, Gail is utterly stunning with her captivating eyes. Speaking of the feminine cast, saloon girls Joan Barton and Rosemary Bertrand are nothing to sneeze at. One problem is that the romance is too blatant and develops way too quickly. But there are a few praiseworthy action sequences. One notable scene involves a couple in a wagon going off a cliff into a body of water. The subtext relays three philosophies on violence: (1.) living it as a lifestyle, (2.) resorting to violence only when justifiable and more peaceful ways have been attempted or (3.) relying completely on nonviolent methods. Needless to say, the middle position is the best one and is, in fact, what the New Testament supports. THE MOVIE RUNS 1 hours & 40 minutes and was shot entirely in Arizona (Sedona, Monument Valley & Flagstaff). GRADE: B-

Now this is certainly one of the more characterful roles played by John Wayne. His portrayal of all-round bad egg "Quirt Evans" is mean and moody - if a little wooden at first. He is wounded and finds himself being cared for in the Quaker household of Gail Russell. Before long, those on his trail - including regular nemesis Bruce Cabot - show up and things take a turn for the more dangerous. He must now juggle the ways of old with his new-found affection for this girl who comes from a tradition that abhors the violent life he has led in the past - and he must ensure that they all survive, too! It's too long (100 mins) and though it does have some humour, charm - and a few action scenes - it does drag, especially when Wayne is off-screen.