The Lawless Breed (1953)

This is a low budget Western that is barely watchable. It could only be of interest to intense Rock Hudson fans. This was his first leading role. Here are its good points:Old reliable John McIntyre ("Winchester '73) plays a dual role.That's it for positivesHere are the bad points:I didn't buy Rock Hudson in the role of Western hero for one second.Implausible that Hardin was framed for every killing he committed. The guy was a saint, apparently.Story is paint by numbersBacklot Western. Locations are all San Fernando Valley.Typical secular agenda Hollywood Christian bashingNo Indian or Mexican references.No comic relief

An okay Western based loosely on fact. Viewers tuning in today are likely catching up with Hudson's first starring role, following several years in supporting parts. Now, when I think Western, I've got to admit Hudson doesn't spring first to mind. Nonetheless, whatever he lacks in frontier grit, he makes up for in energetic commitment. I also suspect that he and Adams are the best-looking twosome to appear in any oater, any time any place. In fact, Adams sports the sleekest array of supposed frontier fashion that I've seen.The story itself is unexceptional and cheaply produced, never getting beyond LA area locations. Indeed, this may be the only Western where the indoors is more compelling to look at than the outdoors. The movie does come up with a bunch of up-and-coming supporting players, like Van Cleef, Weaver, Ansara—too bad they don't get more screen time. Then too, McIntire's unusual dual role, both with Old Testament beards, had me confused until I consulted IMDb. I expect there's a backstory to this duplicate casting. Producer Alland went from here to producing some of the most entertaining sci-fi of the decade— e.g. It Came from Outer Space (1953), Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954). I'm just sorry he didn't insist here on sticking with the original ending (thanks, reviewer bkoganbing). A happy ending may have pleased audiences of the time, but the original would have been more memorable.

This film is part of the "Classic Western Roundup Vol. 1" released by Universal and it is quite a difference to see a film I had seen a long time ago on TV ,late at night, dubbed, and with faded colors. I can't think of anything more colorful than the Universal International westerns of the fifties and this DVD brings all those colors back. The director is Raoul Walsh, whose westerns were always above average. Rock Hudson is very good as J. Wesley Hardin, a man that could not keep out of trouble, so there is no lack of action here. Julie Adams is at her best, more sexy than usual. Only after I saw the credits did I notice John McIntire played a a dual role, the strict and often cruel father, and the good hearted uncle. It is wonderful to see Lee Van Cleef as the tough bad guy. For those who enjoyed the westerns of the fifties, this Universal release is a great experience. It is an unusual western, the story told from an outlaw's point of view, in flashback. When Hardin, wounded, is talking to his son, it reminded me of the last scene of "The Gunfighter"(1950). This film did not age.

I am a descendant of John Wesley Hardin, of whom this movie was made. My great grandmother was his niece. I think this movie was a marvelous tribute because John Wesley was an educated, cultural person. He just didn't have a lot of patience when it came to certain factors. Like shooting a man for snoring. I am honored that the Hollywood "factor" would cast Rock Hudson as John Wesley, as John W was a very handsome man according to the tintographs I have of him from my g-grandmother. This is an under-rated movie worth watching and the female lead is indeed an actress under-rated - she is lovely and supportive. A grand western! AMB