The story idea for "Gunman's Walk" is extremely familiar. It's the story of a powerful and rich family that tamed the land, the Hacketts. Now, decades later, the toughness that helped them during the early days now is simply out of date--especially since young Ed (Tab Hunter) has been routinely enabled by the patriarch, Lee (Van Heflin). Now Ed seems to think he can do anything with absolute impunity--and Lee seems to be giving him the message that this is just fine, as he'll once again save the boy from his own hubris. In other films like "Last Train from Gun Hill", "The Big Country" and "Duel in the Sun", very similar themes abound.
So what makes this one different? Well, seeing pretty-boy Tab Hunter playing Ed helps make it unique. Also contrasting him with the 'nice' brother (James Darren) worked well--as did the gritty ending. Overall, while very familiar, it works well.
So what makes this one different? Well, seeing pretty-boy Tab Hunter playing Ed helps make it unique. Also contrasting him with the 'nice' brother (James Darren) worked well--as did the gritty ending. Overall, while very familiar, it works well.