7/10
A few odd things about this film, but it's a unique Western
14 August 2016
Warning: Spoilers
I would very much liked to have given this a very rare rating for me when it comes to Westerns -- an "8". That's how good I thought the story was. It's a somewhat unique Western, with the whole plot based on a boy who became mute after a Civil War atrocity, and his father's sacrifices to find a cure...along the way they meet Olivia de Havilland.

BUT, when a film is supposed to be taking place in Illinois, yet it was filmed in the red rock country of Utah...well, I guess I must be missing something, because that makes no sense at all. It's nice scenery -- all that red rock of Illinois. All those mountains off in the distance...must be a clear day to see the Rockies all the way from Illinois.

The other odd thing about this film is that while Alan Ladd's character is described as a Confederate (after the war), the Confederacy aspect is virtually irrelevant. In fact, it might have made more sense to have the boy's hysterical muteness caused by an Indian attack. Ah well.

But, in addition to the otherwise excellent story line, the acting here is paramount. Alan Ladd is superior as the father. And I would have to say that I appreciated his performance here more than I did in "Shane".

It was an odd film for Olivia de Havilland. The role doesn't seem like her...although she plays it well. And, make no mistake, this is Alan Ladd's film.

Dean Jagger was a unique character actor. Even in a rather hateful role (like this one), you don't hold it against him.

The boy is played by David Ladd, Alan's son. He does it well.

Cecil Kellaway plays Cecil Kellaway, here as a Quaker doctor.

I was not at all familiar with Tom Pittman, who died tragically at a very early age. But wow...what a long list of film and television credits he had in a very short career (see Wikipedia).

A top notch Western that was, in my view, better than "Shane".
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