This MGM western goes above and beyond what most frontier films from the studio were doing, or attempting to do, at this time. And as such, it proves to be not only highly entertaining, but a tribute to what sort of range Robert Taylor has as an actor. He is quite good as an on-screen cad.
Often, Mr. Taylor is put into underwritten romantic leads where the female costar gets all the glory. (The main female in The Last Hunt is the very unassuming Debra Paget.) But this time, the actor has been served a meaty role and he does a convincing job playing against type.
Costar Stewart Granger also gets to dig a little deeper, thanks to Richard Brooks' expert screenplay and direction. The British westerner gets off a few good jabs in a well-staged barroom scene with some redneck Yanks.
Often, Mr. Taylor is put into underwritten romantic leads where the female costar gets all the glory. (The main female in The Last Hunt is the very unassuming Debra Paget.) But this time, the actor has been served a meaty role and he does a convincing job playing against type.
Costar Stewart Granger also gets to dig a little deeper, thanks to Richard Brooks' expert screenplay and direction. The British westerner gets off a few good jabs in a well-staged barroom scene with some redneck Yanks.