Although this film deals with a marshal (Kirk Douglas) who is determined to bring in the man who raped and murdered his Indian wife, it is really a well made picture with strong performances from Kirk Douglas and Anthony Quinn. Quinn plays Craig Belden, the father of the man who murdered the marshal’s wife. Although he doesn’t agree with what his son did, Belden’s son Rick is the only family he has left and he is determined to stand up to his former best friend, Marshal Matt Morgan, even if he has to shoot him.
Kirk Douglas plays the marshal as a strong and silent type and it is his determination to stick to the law and do what is right which makes for a compelling story. Belden has the town in his pocket but though he’s outnumbered, the marshal refuses to give up his prisoner, as he is determined to take him with him on the nine o’clock train out of Gun Hill. The ending should leave the viewer feeling satisfied. The theme of doing what is right no matter what is strongly featured in this movie. It isn’t a film for very young viewers, but many viewers twelve and older will enjoy the story which nicely combines drama and action. We gladly award the film our Dove “Family-Approved” Seal.
