'Perfect' Western hailed 'better than average' is underrated 'masterpiece'

Fans have been captivated by this film that has been branded a "better than average" Western by movie fanatics. The 1958 classic kept viewers enthralled with the surprising twists and turns which sets the drama apart from its counterparts. The Law and Jake Wade stars bandits Clint Hollister (Richard Widmark) and Jake Wade (Robert Taylor) who botch a robbery that ends with Clint imprisoned. Jake leaves the loot in an abandoned village and quits crime for good. Now working for the law, Jake helps free his partner in crime from jail. Clint doesn't want the treasure to go to waste so he forces Jake and his girlfriend Peggy (Patricia Owens), to lead him to the stash. But trouble awaits when they attempt to unearth the money. The Western is available to rent on Amazon and Sky Store.

Fans of the Western genre are still raving about the "underrated" movie with some taking to Rotten Tomatoes as one penned: "A fine piece of Awesome Western with top notch performances from Widmark & Taylor--Solid Stuff... Dark & Dusty!!" A second remarked: "A saucy tale of revenge. A better than average American Western."

A third admirer gushed: "Above average western with Robert Taylor on fine form as the flawed Marshal and Widmark producing his usual bad guy performance very few others were able to match."

The feelings were certainly mutual on IMDB as others praised the "solid" film.

One said: "Enjoyable western thanks to a sharp, often witty script and the delivery of most of the best lines by Widmark who walks away with this movie, facing as he does another staid piece of acting by Taylor. Good support from nasties Silva and De Kelly and spectacular Sierras scenery add to the plus points in this stronger than average western."

Another agreed: "Made when the era of the western was coming towards its end, this hard working horse opera entertains throughout, despite its one flaw - Robert Taylor.

"A good plot, some fine location shooting and well directed action scenes all contribute to this. Richard Widmark gives a truly convincing performance as the psychopathic Clint Hollister and Henry Silva is a standout as the equally nasty Rennie."