The Naked Spur (1953)

The Naked Spur (Anthony Mann, 1953) The stellar achievement of The Naked Spur is that it has only five speaking roles in it, which is not an easy thing to accomplish for a 90-minute film. Each of these roles is a solid, well-realized character, strong performances by all the actors. Each character has his/her own goals and ambitions, and is acting according to a separate agenda; all of them, for various reasons, are forced to travel together. This is some of the best acting I've ever seen from James Stewart, rivaling his incredible performance in Vertigo. Mann does some truly great directing work, making many of the scenes into edge-of-your-seat suspense (most notably the river sequence toward the end). Two days after watching it, I'm realizing the film was even better than I acknowledged upon that viewing. A gripping Western. 9/10

One of Mann's notable collaborations with Jimmy Stewart that captures the attention of the audience with enough action and good acting by many famed stars of those days such as Janet Leigh or Robert Ryan and, I need not mention, James Stewart. The film delivers an unforgettable story that teaches us lessons that have to do with greed and pure meanness. I shan't say more, alas I am perturbed that I will reveal important facts of the plot. Moving along, the scenery is quite dazzling and powerful, the film takes place on the rocky mountains so expect beautiful hills and valleys and streams. (Here start some info that could be called spoilers!) None the less I am still inclined to point out some dismal characteristics of the film that I did not enjoy. The film had a rather abrupt ending, like there wasn't enough time to film a couple of scenes more. I believe that instead of suddenly showing the brutal nature of a character there should have been some kind of transition or slower progression to make the plot a little more believable. Although the sudden ending might actually add to the brilliance of this western. Summarizing, This western has enough action packed scenes, good acting by very famous actors such as James Stewart and Janet Leigh, beautiful scenery and classic Anthony Mann cinematography. As such I believe this film deserves a 7/10 which is, by my standards, quite excellent

When I saw this advertised I thought it would be a Typical B-western given its Saturday afternoon timeslot; it was much better than that though. As the film starts it looks as if James Stewart is a Sheriff, named Howard Kemp, on the trail of murderer Ben Vandergroat; at least that is what he tells elderly prospector Jesse Tate. Jesse agrees to help him catch the killer for twenty dollars; it won't he easy though as he is holding out at the top of a crag pushing rocks down on anybody who tries to climb up. While figuring out what to do they are joined by a third man; a former cavalry officer, Roy Anderson, who has recently been dishonourably discharged. Between they manage to catch Vandergroat which is where the story really begins... he informs them that Kemp isn't a sheriff; he is a man after a five thousand dollar bounty; something he neglected to tell the others. With the potential to gain a cut of that much money Jesse and Roy insist on accompanying Howard back to Abilene, also with them is Lina Patch who had been travelling with Vandergroat. As they head back to Kansas Vandergroat constantly tries to sow distrust between his three captors. After a run in with a group of Blackfoot Indians, who where after Roy because he 'helped himself' to the chief's daughter, Howard is wounded making the journey even more perilous. It is just a matter of time before one of them gets killed!This is an interesting film, not because it contains a great hero with likable sidekicks, but because all the men are deeply flawed; Howard is willing to see a man die just to earn some money, Jesse believes he has wasted his life searching for gold while less deserving men stumbled across it and while the word 'rape' isn't used it is clear that Roy raped the chief's daughter... and that is just the 'good guys'... Vandergroat may be stirring up trouble to save himself but it is clear he enjoys the trouble he causes. The cast put in fine performances; especially James Stewart who played Howard; a once good man who is bitter after betrayal by the woman he loved. Janet Leigh was good as the feisty Lina and Robert Ryan, Ralph Meeker and Millard Mitchell weren't bad as the other three men. Having a small cast that were almost always together kept the action tight and the tension high. The Colorado scenery provides a stunning backdrop to the story which is beautifully filmed by director Anthony Mann. If you are a fan of the western genre I think this is a must see!

True, some of the themes and conflicts presented in this movie are very well-worn, and while Janet Leigh looks absolutely gorgeous I couldn't help thinking that this gorgeous presence jarred just a bit seeing as the film in its tone is very tough and melodramatic with themes of greed and bitterness and the rest of the characters intentionally pitiful. That said, Mann directs very assuredly, James Stewart is wonderfully ferocious and Robert Ryan is very charismatic in a more convoluted role. The film looks great, with wonderful sets, scenery, costumes and photography, the music adds to the mood of each scene without feeling too intrusive, the dialogue is excellent and the story even with the well-worn themes and such is very compelling. Overall, a marvellous film. 8/10 Bethany Cox