The Hangman (1959)

The Hangman was Robert Taylor's first independent film after leaving MGM. In later years, he would describe it as one of his failures. Like many Taylor movies, it's an unusual twist on a familiar subject. Mackenzie Bovard, a Deputy Marshal, is famous for his ability to catch criminals who are later hanged. Bovard is cynical and world weary with a poor opinion of his fellow humans. Pursuing a robbery suspect, he meets the young and lovely Tina Louise. Through his relationship with her Bovard gradually regains his faith in humanity and becomes a much warmer and more likeable person. This is far from a typical western--no fight scenes, no gorgeous scenery, no evil villains. As another reviewer noted, it's a drama set in the old West. It's about responsibility, right and wrong and personal development and growth. Taylor is excellent, as always, in his understated way. Tina Louise is good as a young woman who changes from a drab loser to a confident woman. Mabel Albertson is wonderful as a middle-aged woman who has the hots for Taylor (who can blame her?). Fess Parker, post Davy Crockett is effective as a town Sheriff and his laid back persona makes a good contrast to the driven, more intense Taylor. Perhaps not a classic but definitely worth watching and owning.

In addition to having a fine cast with a fine array of character actors, the script is uttertly marvelous. Tina Louise shows us what she could have done had she not been put into the sexpot roles that ruined her. What's utterly fascinating about the film is that although this is a hunt for justice, there' no 'bad guy,' with the exception of the outlaw jailed in the first minute of the film. A fascinating thing to see in a Western. If Johnny's an outlaw, then he's one we like, so do we really want to see him captured? This one was included in my recent book 'Head `Em Off At the Pass! 94 Westerns You Should Watch.'Head `Em Off At the Pass!: 94 Westerns You Should WatchWhat If Arnold Stang Played the Part?: Recasting 108 Classic MoviesHead `Em Off At the Pass! 94 Westerns You Should Watch

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Had never seen this western before.I was not disappointed.Great story,great cast,great acting.You just cant go wrong with a cast of stars as this movie has.Pedro Gonzalez Gonzalez(yes twice),Mickey Shaughnessy,Robert Taylor,Fess Parker,Jack Lord,Gene Evans,Lorne Greene,and the beautiful Tina Louise.87 minutes of western pleasure.....support your favorite atrists.

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loved it it was a great movie, funny and action packed and enjoyed it very much i would recommend it to anyone

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Love the old westerns, thanks for a great movie, I will be buying as they are provided from this source.

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