Warlock [DVD] [1959]

This film is based on the powerful book of the same name written by Oakley Hall in 1958. Although largely forgotten now it was a finalist for the Pulitzer prize. It was not only a good Western but it was good enough to transcend its own genre and be considered a fine book across the whole literary spectrum. It deserved to made into a very good film, and in 1959 that was exactly what it got.

The film concerns the town of Warlock which has a problem with thugs who rule the roost. They decide to invest in the services of the famous gunfighter Clay Blaisdell played by Fonda and his partner Tom Morgan played by Anthony Quinn. They have a reputation for cleaning up towns, but their methods are not pretty. Richard Widmark plays Johnny Gannon one of the reformed thugs who becomes a deputy and takes his new responsibilities seriously. Blaisdell and his golden handled guns soon come into conflict with the thugs and the brutal cleaning up process begins. Later there is conflict with the deputy and finally a climactic showdown between Blaisdell and Morgan.

The film was directed by Edward Dmytryk who was jailed during the McCarthy era witch hunts. He is remembered better perhaps for "The Caine Mutiny". He made three other Westerns. "Broken Lance"(54), "Alvarez Kelly"(66) and "Shalako"(68). None of which could be considered classics. But "Warlock" is a different matter.

The films main character bears more than a passing resemblence to Wyatt Earp that legendary lawman who cleaned up many lawless towns with brutal efficiency. He also had a wandering habit, and was a lawman across a wide area of the American West.

This film works on many levels. It is very easy to see why Sergio Leone admired it so much and later used its star. Unusual in a Western was the films focus on the relationship between Morgan and Blaisdell. It is very clear from the start that they have a strong bond of friendship. How deep that bond may go is left to the imagination of the viewer. Fonda is magnificent as Blaisdell and Quinn equally good as the manipulative, crippled Morgan. Morgan says of Blaisdell "He's the only man who looks at me and doesn't see a cripple". He will happily kill to protect that friendship. The support cast is particularly strong and quirky. DeForrest Kelly shines and the comedian Frank Gorshin throws in an overblown youthful performance as Widmarks younger brother Billy Gannon.

The films strongest scene, and the one I particularly remember is the final tragic shootout where Blaisdell is forced to shoot his great friend. Then we see the depth of emotion that exsisted between them. He is stricken with grief and allows no one near the body. It resembles the wrath of Achilles from "The Illiad" when Patroclus is killed. Truly an epic grief. He then gives Morgan a Viking funeral again similar to the ancient Greek story. But unlike Achilles, Blaisdell at the very end of the film throws his gold handled guns into the dirt after comprehensively outdrawing an injured Johnny Gannon who is pepared to die for the sake of upholding the law. Blaisdell like Shane knows the future does not lie with the likes of him and he rides off this time without a Morgan to deal with the backshooters. It is a fable for our times and one that does not date.

This film is one of the great Westerns. Blaisdell like Shane is one of the great Western characters who cements his place in this genres hall of fame. The film is unusual and groundbreaking in its dealings with relationships. It is also utterly watchable and almost mesmeric at times. Highly recommended viewing.

... I haven't seen this film in years (television a long time ago). But I had to write this, even as the DVD here is now being processed as an order. Lucky was I to see it while browsing around on Amazon, and lucky you will be too to own it. One of my top three ever westerns. I'm more of a Sci-Fi/Fantasy/action/adventure person, so it takes a top notch film in other genres to grip me.

Yes, there's a gunfight or two. But this western is not about the gunfights, but about the gunfightER. Richard Widmark seems to get top billing, but he's really a side show as far as quality characterisation goes; as -unfortunately- is the delicious Dorothy Malone. This is about the very impressive Henry Fonda, and to a fair extent Anthony Quinn.

This is no (early) Clint Eastwood, John Wayne or even Franco Nero anti-hero, Fonda here is something unusual in westerns. The film even incorporates the rarely mentioned point of watching out for backshooters during "duels".

I can't guarantee that you will like it, but if you don't, then you're an even tougher nut to crack than I am.

"Warlock" is probably the most beautifully photographed western of them all. It is easy to see why it was such a great influence and inspiration for the legendary film director Sergio Leone. There are moments of striking detail in the art direction, set decoration and more significantly in the performances and direction. There is an reality and depth to Edward Dmytryk's direction. It has striking freshness and bags of originality. The cinematography is faultless and at points breathtaking.

The characters that live in "Warlock" are very human and so as a result are faulted and complex. Henry Fonda plays a none to bright hired gunman. He plays his part with a dull dignity that is perfectly pitched and his performance is simply excellent. Anthony Quinn plays his jealous and controlling partner. He is as good as ever. Richard Widmark was an actor with a remarkably limited range yet the director coaxes a good performance from him as a confused cowboy who is willing to try and change. De Forest Kelly shines as a wise-cracking know-it-all cowboy looking for kicks.

The film is a must-see for anyone who loves a good western. In fact, it is so good that it transcends its own genre. It could be called be a psychological thriller! I suppose a classic is a classic whatever it's genre!

The DVD has excellent picture and sound quality but has no special features.