Bad Bascomb (1946)

A notorious bank robber joins a traveling caravan of Mormons, takes a shine to a little girl, and helps them face life on the plains, especially with attacking Indians and a bandit he betrays who vows revenge.Bascomb (the irascible Wallace Beery) isn't all that bad. All he needs are cute little spelling contests with a little girl and the affections of an aging widow to look after his appetite. Margaret O'Brien, of course, is the cute little girl who enjoys spelling out words in conversation, while Marjorie Main is her cantankerous grandmother who dominates Beery's every minute after he promises to take care of them in the caravan. Beery wants to find the gold hidden somewhere in the caravan with the intention of robbing it, but changes his mind after becoming close with the group. This upsets his rough and tough partner (J. Carroll Naish).Beery brings sweetness to his gruff role, a true acting feat considering his off-screen treatment of the child stars he worked with. The spelling out of words between Beery and O'Brien adds to the fun and brings some additional dimension to their relationship, although there is not as much comedy as a pairing of this nature (along with Main who is both a delightful comic and a touching serious actress) should have. There's a great scene between Beery, Main and tough-but-nurturing Connie Gilchrist in a moment where Gilchrist gives Beery her husband's old jacket and Main steps in to prevent any hanky panky. There's also a great camp fire sing-along in which pivotal plot points are taking place in the background. The problem with the film is its over-length. There is a scene that is quite disturbing where Beery must verbally assault O'Brien to get her away from his plotting with Naish, but the tender moments between the two afterwords makes up for it.

I have always loved old movies and most are the kind you can watch over again and again this is one of them! The last time I watched it I caught something new and thought was so cute Emmy (Maragret o'Brien)is dressing in a pretty dress to surprise Zed Bascomb (Wallace Beery)and her grandmother gives her two handkerchiefs and she tells her "Here is one for show and one for blow." I believe actors from this era were true artisan of their craft, something I find lacking in actors today.For More Fun between Beery and Main I recommend Jackass Mail 1942 & Wyoming 1940. For You Margaret O'Brien fans one movie you must see is Our Vines Have Tender Grapes.

I absolutely loved this movie, it's funny, sad and a real heart grabber. A must see for anyone who loves these kind of movies!!! The actors are all great, especially Margaret O'Brien, I love to watch her in movies, she's as good as Shirley Temple and Natalie Wood!!! Makes a person wonder how a child her age can act so well and be so convincing, you'd never know it wasn't really happening!! I had never seen this movie before today, didn't even know it was on until I flipped to the TCM channel; I missed the first part of it, but what I did see was great, was hoping it would be on again so I could see it all, but it's not in my TV listings. I would love to have it on DVD or VHS. Anyone know where or how I can purchase it?

This was a good movie without any of the present day special effects. No swearing, no nudity and no sex. Just plain old good acting. Unfortunately, you have to be a fan of the older movies to really appreciate the quality of this movie and the actors of the era. J. Carrol Nash played the same type of villain as he did in Beau Geste, with Gary Cooper.