Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by rico (A) on June 27, 2005 at 07:25:46

I've posted on this before but it is a long time favorite and I watched it again last night. Unfortunately there is no good remastered transfer and I have been hoping Criterion would issue one, including if available the extra footage shown in Europe.

Stanly Kubrick was slated to direct this wonderful western revenge tale but star Marlon Brando took over when Kirk Douglas tapped Kubrick to direct "Spartacus" after Douglas fired director Anthony Mann. OEJ rermains Brando's only directorial outing. The story involves a betrayal by "Dad" Longworth (Karl Malden), who leaves his pal "Kid" Rio (Brando)alone in the desrt. Rio is captured by Mexican police and put in prison. Six years later Brando escapes chained to another criminal and sets out to find Lomgworth to exact revenge. By this time Longworth has become sheriff of Monterey, California, and is married and has a teen aged step-daughter. Brando arrives and stays for a festival and beds the girl down before being horsewhipped by Malden, who also crushes Brando's gun hand. Brando heals and returns. Etc.

Some feel the film is too long but I myself can't get enough of it. This may be the best western ever made, heady company I know.