I so wanted to like this, but ultimately it eased out to being a very average picture that is saved by its bookended gusto. The plot basically sees Capt. James S. Simmons (aka Jim Farraday), a Southerner hiding out as part of a spurious tonic selling double act, trying to prevent the mighty Gatling Gun being sold into the wrong hands. After the excellent opening, where a train robbery results in the said Gun being pilfered, the picture drifts along with enough charm but no amount of substance. Van Johnson as Farraday, Joanne Dru, Richard Boone and Jeff Morrow do what they can with the amiable but unimaginative script, and it's only really as we get to the last quarter that the film jolts back into action. Is it worth waiting for? Well yes it is, Gatling Gun blazing and heroes fighting against the odds should always perk up a movie, and so it does here, thankfully.
Not one to recommend highly, but worth a watch once with a solid 5/10 rating.
Not one to recommend highly, but worth a watch once with a solid 5/10 rating.