The Naked Spur was Jimmy's third Western with director Anthony Mann. Released in 1953 by M-G-M and co-starring Janet Leigh, Robert Ryan, Ralph Meeker, and Millard Mitchell.
I thought it was really good picture, the set-up and psychology of the film are tense and razor-sharp. And the outdoor scenery was absolutely gorgeous! I think the plot was interesting, mainly because it could have worked even if the film wasn't a Western.
***possible spoiler alert***
Basically, Howard Kemp (Jimmy) is trying to capture Ben Vandergroat (Robert Ryan) for a $5,000 reward. He enlists the help of an old prospector Jesse Tate (Millard Mitchell) for $20.00 and later an ex-Union solider Roy Anderson (Ralph Meeker). Once they capture Vandergroat and find out about the $5,000 Kemp is forced to make them his partners. So they take Vandergroat and his companion, Lina (Janet Leigh) along with them in order to turn Vandergroat and retrieve the reward money. --end of spoiler alert--
Obviously there's a lot more to it than that, but you the idea (I hope).
Jimmy's performance was superb, as usual. I don't think I've said it before, but I've never seen a movie with him that I didn't like. Just thought I'd point that out. :) And boy, oh boy! Was he handsome in this movie! No, really, with that cowboy hat and everything. I can't help but do some major swooning whilst watching. *wink*
The supporting actors were great. Robert Ryan did an excellent job in his role. However, I didn't really like the character of Jesse much, but maybe that's because I found Millard Mitchell a tad annoying? Though the character himself did seem trustworthy and believable, I just couldn't warm up to the actor. And, Janet Leigh surprised me. I guess I never realized that she was such a good actress because I had only seen her in Psycho before this. Before I first watched the movie I said to myself "Wait, she's in a Western?" but she actually came through with a solid performance. And of course, the direction by Mann is marvellous.
I thought the ending was really sweet, a little over-sentimental for a Western maybe, but sweet nonetheless.
All in all, a very entertaining movie. I suggest you see it, if you haven't already.
Sorry that review seemed kind of vague, but I didn't want to give anything away for those who haven't seen it. (So I'm guessing most of my movie reviews will be like this?) Need more reassurance that this really is a good movie? here's the movie trailer.
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