The Naked Spur (1953)
I think if you asked ChatGPT for a standard western plot it might come up with something like this. Great looking scenery, bounty hunters chasing a cocky but somewhat charming outlaw, a beautiful woman for distraction and throw in some Indians for good measure. Only missing a saloon.
What it lacks in originality it makes up for in execution. Everyone is playing their part pretty well. Especially Robert Ryan as the man with a price on his head. He is grinning all the way while he toys with his capturers. James Stewart is framed as the hero but a very brusque one - overly consumed with the need for revenge.
There is plenty of nicely shot action and plot developments to keep one busy and entertained for its 90 minute running time. I appreciated that the shootouts weren’t overly drawn out like in Manns Winchester ’73 for example, but I do have a bit of a problem with the ending. Stewarts character does a total 180 against his entire motivation with in a very short and unconvincing manner. I guess they aimed for some sort of character growth, but the rest of the film doesn’t even hint at him being capable of that.
Rating: 4