A_Different_Drummer Review of The Fastest Gun Alive

The Fastest Gun Alive (1956)

Pitch Perfect, Subtle, Technically Accurate, 1 of A Kind****

[9/10 · 11 November 2013]

I love good movies, who doesn't, but I especially love movies that are one-of-a-kind, that break the mold, that don't quite fit the mold, constantly surprise the viewer, and ultimately deliver the goods. One of the most watchable westerns ever. Glen Ford is what could be one of his best roles, subtle, anxious, looking to do the right thing, never pushing. And Jeanne Crain doing what she does best, spurring on her man. (Opps, not trying to be sexist BUT THE ROLE WAS WRITTEN THAT WAY). And -- who knew? -- after literally 100's of Hollywood westerns have passed over the creative bridge, THIS IS THE FIRST TO POINT OUT that being "fast" takes ... Duh .. practice? Superb story -- quiet storekeeper is, in fact, a closet gunslinger who practices each and every day of his life ... as long as he can get away from the little woman, of course. All is fine is until one day the town bully pushes the little guy a bit too far, and he snaps and teaches the bully a lesson. And in the process does a gun trick that only a handful of men alive could do. And a little boy sees this ... and remembers. That's all the spoiler you get, but this one is a keeper.