Enjoyed it for the most part but a few characters were aggravating (one due to the script, other due to their acting).
Drake's character...phew. That fella's the one "friend" some of us have, (or if lucky) HAD in our lives that's a guarantee trouble magnet. Of course, they somehow make sure you get involved... and always expect you to get them out of the trouble THEY always cause.
His character was such a PITA. Every opportunity he had to do the right thing, he chose poorly...until his last scene. Even then, it seemed he did it only to save the (hopeless) relationship with his girl.
Crowley's character... well it's the same one she's played in everything I've seen her in - besides one exception early in her career when she played a tomboy in a Lone Ranger episode.
PS - she's played the same character so much, she reminds me of being another actress - Patricia Barry.
Who too have played the same character in everything I've seen - except for 2 roles - a B/C level crime drama (light noir?) set around Staten Island early in her career (she and her dialogue delivery seemed so natural and at ease) and an outstanding Gunsmoke episode - "The Cabin", where she did such a great job, it's a shame to never seen her give another performance even close to that quality...
Wonder if during the 50's and 60's, producers would say "I need an actress that'll "overact". If I can't get Crowley, call Barry!"
Back to the movie - Enjoyed it overall.
Many familiar actors of the TV western genre from that era.
2 did stand out for me
Charles Horvath - think his dialogue with Stone near the end was the most I've seen him deliver, let alone the deepest. Felt sympathy for him wanting to just let Murphy go and get away because he knew what was coming but resigned himself to it nonetheless.
Carol Thurston - though her screen time was short, she looked just as she did playing the hopelessly in love gypsy girlfriend of the wrongly convicted outlaw in the Lone Ranger.
Can't believe she was dead within 6 years of this film, while still in her 40's.
Felt bad for the Murphy character who had to make the right choices not only for himself but for everyone else. He looked so beaten and sick of it all by the end.
BTW, not sure if the movie would've been any better shown in color. Think the B&W helped the dark, hopeless mood set for the hero.
Also - sure would've wanted to see the sheriff's face when he realized Murphy risked his life to bring back the bond money to the town who treated him so poorly.
