TrueJoshNight Truly Dreadful Film

Jeanskynebu the audience applauded

Raetsonwe Redundant and unnecessary.

Cleveronix A different way of telling a story

dakake-47344 Just watched this on TV. Title should have been: "Colt .44"! Every pistol or revolver in the movie, and there were plenty, were ALL cap & ball and not a single cartridge handgun. A Colt .45 is a cartridge introduced in 1873 and used in Colt SAA revolvers, not a one was seen in this film. Please do a little of your own research in order to verify my claim. Thank you.

JohnHowardReid The script is full of inconsistencies like plot holes a mile wide and characters who behave erratically and irrationally. True, the Zachary Scott character is undoubtedly supposed to be a psychotic nut — Scott plays him way over the top — but the others are certifiably sane despite their often odd behavior. It's a challenge to players to get realism as well as charisma into their performances under these circumstances, yet all succeed supremely well. Lloyd Bridges is almost too effective a villain, whilst Ruth Roman makes both a comely yet spirited heroine. (One of the screenplay's innovations for a class "A" western is that there's absolutely no romantic entanglements whatever. "Colt .45", as the name implies, is solid action all the way). We also enjoyed Alan Hale's persuasive study of a two-timing sheriff (this was his second last film appearance).Despite the script's lack of credibility, it does have the three main requirements all western fans demand: action, more action and yet more action — enough in fact to supply four or five average "B" westerns. Director Marin keeps it boiling away at an exciting pace that never lets up. Technicolor, of course, adds considerably to the picture's appeal.

Scott LeBrun Randolph Scott, as jut jawed and heroic as he's ever been, is gun salesman Steve Farrell. One day, in a prison, he's showing off his pride and joy, and sadly this will assist outlaw Jason Brett (Zachary Scott) in a jailbreak. Wrongfully locked up when it's assumed that he must have been an accomplice, Steve is soon released, and sets out to bring the bad guy down. Brett, of course, is having the time of his life utilizing Steves' prized Colt .45s.This is an okay, routine Western. It does benefit from some good action scenes, and the cast makes the most of the situation. The very pretty Ruth Roman is engaging in an under written role as Beth Donovan, the wife of Paul Donovan (Lloyd Bridges), one of Bretts' cohorts. Randolph Scott doesn't have to stretch himself at all, but he's in good form, while Zachary Scott commands a great deal of the attention as the thoroughly nasty, overconfident villain who feels emboldened by his new weapons. Bridges is fine as the weaselly Paul, who's not as degenerate as Brett, but is absolutely no rose, either. Alan Hale provides a rock steady presence as the morally compromised Sheriff Harris (this, unfortunately, was one of his final roles, as he died later the same year). Ian MacDonald, who later gained his greatest fame as the gang leader Miller in "High Noon", is also playing a character named Miller here. And Indian actor Chief Thundercloud is able to play his proud character Walking Bear with some dignity.Direction (by Edwin L. Marin), production design, cinematography, and music are all handled capably, making this decent entertainment for 74 minutes.Six out of 10.

Captain_Augustus_McCrae I have one major problem with this film. Set in the late 1840's or early 1850s, it highlights the introduction of the "Colt .45 revolver". Actually, the gun depicted in the film is a Colt's DRAGOON .44 cap & ball sixgun. I don't know why the title, "Colt .45" is stuck on this film, when "Colt .44" would have been just as sexy-sounding, and would have been historically accurate, as well. The introduction of a reliable, durable and accurate revolving pistol did really revolutionize things in the Old West, as depicted in the film but still, the name of the gun is wrong. I guess the film maker either didn't know or didn't care about the inaccuracy. All that being said, This is still a film worth watching. The reason is Randolph Scott, of course. I have been a huge fan since viewing "Ride the High Country" about 25 years ago. Over time I have seen most of his Westerns and while the films themselves vary in quality, the performance of Mr. Scott is almost always excellent. This is a lesser offering, granted, but the presence of Mr. Scott makes it worth the time. I'd rate it a 7.