Angel and the Badman

Starring: John Wayne, Gail Russell, Harry Carey, Bruce Cabot, Irene Rich, Lee Dixon
Directed by: James Edward Grant
Rating: Not rated
Genre: Western, Romance
1947

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: Dangerous gunfighter Quirt Evans (John Wayne) is badly injured and taken in and nursed back to health by a kind Quaker family. The family's values and non-violence stance clash with Evans' life, but he is soon taken by their kindness, and the charm of their daughter (Gail Russell), a beautiful woman who falls for him and wants him to change his ways.

Review:

Tim: Angel and the Badman works because it is not the typical Western. This film is far more of a romance than an action, shoot 'em up, and that is a welcome change of pace. John Wayne made so many movies in his remarkable career, but I've always gravitated towards the smaller, quieter ones. This is such a film, and it is an enjoyable one.

The heart of this movie is the unlikely relationship between a deadly gunfighter and an angelic Quaker. The movie works because of this relationship. They say opposites attract, but that needs to be believable. It works here. John Wayne is typically strong as the wonderfully named Quirt Evans (seriously, it is one of the greatest Western names I have ever heard). Wayne was never the greatest actor in the world, but he usually stuck with what he did well, and he is enjoyable in the role here. I also liked Gail Russell in her role as Penny. However, whereas I cannot think of a better actor to play Quirt Evans, I imagine a number of Hollywood actresses could have done Russell's role better. Still, she is believable as a kind Quaker and she works well with Wayne. I think had their relationship had more chemistry, this movie would have been even better.

I also loved the casting of Harry Carey as Territorial Marshal Wistful McClintock (again, what a spectacular name). Carey doesn't play an enormous role in the film, but he plays a hugely important one. We wanders in and out of the film are various points, but every scene with him is memorable. I just loved the back-and-forth between Carey and Wayne. These two actors worked very well together, and in a quiet way, had some of the most interesting scenes in the film. The highlight for me was the scene at the end when Wayne is standing behind the plow and Carey is on his horse. Their conversation is superb, and one of the film's strongest moments.

While this is a romance, this is also a John Wayne western. Thus, we have a few really good action scenes. The best has to be the wagon/horse chase and the surprisingly exciting climax to it. This scene is excellent. While I liked the action scenes, I wouldn't have minded a few more. I understand that this movie was more about the romance than the action, but a few more intense moments would only have helped.

I very much enjoyed Angel and the Badman. I don't think it is one of Wayne's best films, but it is not too far away, either. It is a very solid, entertaining Western, and has much to like. I would definitely recommend this movie.



Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating- 7



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