THE BRAVADOS (1958) * This is a genuinely bad film. The concept of doing a cowboy mystery isn't bad in itself, but the execution...they killed the wrong one, they shoulda got the director Henry King. It goes on and on with Gregory Peck trying to act studly, which is good for a few shallow laughs, and people like Lee Van Cleef trying to act really bad (it's better to act bad badly, than studly badly), meanwhile revealing evidence at a rate suggesting that they assumed that their viewers would all be idiots and unwilling to watch if not constantly bombarded with clues, and working sexual deviations (but none for Joan Collins?) into the plot in a manner calculated to attract Baptist cowboys. The only good part is at the end when they suddenly wrap things up with dramatic sweeps, all well beyond the abilities of the actors involved, pretend that there's a plot to hang a surprise ending on, and best of all, start pontificating on moral issues.
back to Brilliant Observations on 2120 Films page, or Index
go back home, or send me email
Reviews won't do it any more! I need sustained brilliance! I want to buy your exciting new terrorist novel!
I've already read both of your novels. Thank you, they're amazing. Now I want to check out your weekly blog on everything