The Big Question: As Westerns go, how is this one? Well, even though it was a television movie, rather than a big screen flick, it's actually pretty good. In fact, I would say a bit better than the average Western...but that's not to say it's great.
This Western has 3 things going for it. First, Dale Robertson. Robertson was a staple of Westerns on the small screen back in the 1950s and into the 1960s. It was tough not to like him. Just something about him. The look. Friendly cockiness. And, as one of our other reviewers pointed out, something slightly reminiscent of Clark Gable. And, the Dale Robertson we see here is Robertson at his peak.
The second thing this Western has going for it is pretty high production values. More than you might expect from many television movies, particularly television Westerns.
The third thing this teleplay has going for it is a pretty decent supporting cast, including Diana Hyland, Lloyd Bochner, John Anderson, and other television character actors you'll recognize.
But, there are some problems here, too. The beginning of the film is...well...let's say a bit too enthusiastic, making that part of the film unrealistic. The teleplay certainly has a plot, more than ankle deep, but not as deep as your knees or waist. And just how does Dale Robertson get his railroad built -- mostly by bluff -- and I'm not sure that's very realistic. Although, it certainly allows Robertson to show off that natural charm of his.
Back in the 1950s and very early 1960s, America was hooked on Westerns on both the big and small screen. And, that included me. But today, when I try to watch most of those old Westerns, I end up flipping channels. Not many hold my attention. Although not a great teleplay, this one managed to hold my attention enough to watch it all the way through. That's not bad, though I doubt I'll watch it a second time.
This Western has 3 things going for it. First, Dale Robertson. Robertson was a staple of Westerns on the small screen back in the 1950s and into the 1960s. It was tough not to like him. Just something about him. The look. Friendly cockiness. And, as one of our other reviewers pointed out, something slightly reminiscent of Clark Gable. And, the Dale Robertson we see here is Robertson at his peak.
The second thing this Western has going for it is pretty high production values. More than you might expect from many television movies, particularly television Westerns.
The third thing this teleplay has going for it is a pretty decent supporting cast, including Diana Hyland, Lloyd Bochner, John Anderson, and other television character actors you'll recognize.
But, there are some problems here, too. The beginning of the film is...well...let's say a bit too enthusiastic, making that part of the film unrealistic. The teleplay certainly has a plot, more than ankle deep, but not as deep as your knees or waist. And just how does Dale Robertson get his railroad built -- mostly by bluff -- and I'm not sure that's very realistic. Although, it certainly allows Robertson to show off that natural charm of his.
Back in the 1950s and very early 1960s, America was hooked on Westerns on both the big and small screen. And, that included me. But today, when I try to watch most of those old Westerns, I end up flipping channels. Not many hold my attention. Although not a great teleplay, this one managed to hold my attention enough to watch it all the way through. That's not bad, though I doubt I'll watch it a second time.