Home Films/DVD Asylum

Movies from comedy to drama to your favorite Hollyweird Star.

One of the classics; a brilliantly subtle cautionary tale of fear and disillusionment crafted during the McCarthy era.

IMHO, the criminals were representations of an evil that folks were afraid to stand up against even if it meant that they took over the town. The sheriff, played by Cooper, represents more than law; he represents honor and freedom! As a result of the kind of threat facing the community he asked for help and initially deputized several townspeople, but as time drew near for the arrival of the three killers nearly everyone found some excuse to avoid the confrontation; the risks seemed too great. Instead, folks urged him to get on with his life and not to worry about the town; leave before the three criminals arrived as it was easier to let the thugs have their way and run things than fight back. However, in spite of occasional moments of doubt, he felt responsible; he'd taken an oath and was duty bound to serve the community even if it cost him everything. After all, a true hero stands up for justice even if he stands alone.

Stanley Kramer's clever and powerful masterpiece is as fresh and relevent today as it was 50 years ago; it's actually a "western" in name only. Still, I'm not too surprised that you didn't care for it!

AuPh


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