Warlock (1959)

Overrated and overhyped

A Major Disappointment

Tells a fascinating and unsettling true story, and does so well, without pretending to have all the answers.

Great example of an old-fashioned, pure-at-heart escapist event movie that doesn't pretend to be anything that it's not and has boat loads of fun being its own ludicrous self.

I gave this film the old 30 minute try. After 30 minutes, I didn't feel like watching anymore so I changed the channel.

Just so you know: Warlock is the name of the town in Warlock. In case you're like me and sometimes misinterpret the meaning of a title, this is a western, not a movie about witches and wizards. Now that that's out of the way, let's get to the plot.Henry Fonda and his faithful sidekick Anthony Quinn arrive in the town of Warlock to instill some law and order into the western city that's frequented by bandits and criminals. The local "bad boys" resent the presence of a new marshal, and they're quick to let Henry and Tony know they're not about roll over and play nice. Richard Widmark, Frank Gorshin, Tom Drake, and DeForest Kelly constantly toe the line with the so-called good guys, but then the lines start to blur. Henry and Tony aren't as good as they appear to be, and Dick isn't as enamored by the bad guys as he should be. . .I actually really liked this movie, but if John Wayne were the lead, or if Henry Fonda had been given Dick's part, I probably wouldn't have liked it. Richard Widmark, looking adorable in glorious Technicolor, is a fantastic and conflicted hero, torn between good and bad, family and friends. There's no scrimping on the side plots in this movie, as everyone has a backstory and something to hide. Plus, there are countless love triangles with the arrival of Dorothy Malone and Dolores Michaels. Since I'm not the biggest Henry Fonda fan, so I didn't need to be convinced that he's got a bit of a bad guy in his character. Anthony Quinn does a good job, except for his strangely muddled Southern accent, but really it's Richard Widmark who's the heart and soul of the movie. Even when he's bad-which he almost always is-he's incredibly likable. He just might be the most adorable, lovable, type casted bad guy ever! And ladies, if you don't think he's handsome, make an appointment with your eye doctor.

I wonder if one of the turnoffs to this film (since it lost money) was that at least in the beginning it sort of reminds one of "High Noon", in that a town is caught in the middle between the "bad guys" (a dictatorial rancher) and what is right to do. Cowardice versus courage.However, the film quickly veers off in another direction as Henry Fonda proves to be a new activist unofficial sheriff with a fabled past (but how accurate is it). And then there is Richard Widmark -- a man caught between the evil rancher (for whom he used to work, and for whom his brother still works), and what he knows is wrong. But, this isn't a two handed deal. Anthony Quinn is along for the ride as an ally of Fonda's although hardly a man with a sparkling past...or present. Dorothy Malone plays the ex-lover of Quinn, with her own agenda.There are several reasons to give this movie high points. First, even though the basic story may be fairly traditional, there's more complexity here than we usually see in a western.Henry Fonda is superb here, Almost as good as I've ever seen him. Fonda is interesting. Certainly in the A list of actors in that era, but never quite as successful as a Cary Grant or Jimmy Stewart. And I've never quite figured out why.Richard Widmark interests me. He was able to transfer from a true bad guy in his early pictures to a rather odd leading man. Very underrated, Here his role is a little slim in the early part of the film, but gets more screen time and complexity as the film proceeds. And when his role expands, he's very good.Anthony Quinn was doing better than his early films here, but he was not yet into his most productive period. There hints here that Anthony Quinn's character was gay or bi. It occurred to me several times throughout the film, particularly toward the end. And what was he supposed to have -- a club foot? That wasn't clear to me...or why I never cared much for Dorothy Malone, and still don't.There are a number of well-known character actors along for the ride, including Frank Gorshin.A word needs to be said here about the scenery. It's outstanding, and mostly filmed around wonderful Moab, Utah, including Dead Horse State Park.This film is worth watching for one very good reason -- it's very different. Additionally, the acting is, overall, quit good. Recommended.

Warlock represents one of those western timepieces when the sets, characters and colours had that certain shade to them and before the cynicism of the 60's. The classic situation where the town brings in a hired lawman to help them against an evil gang who are taking too much for granted and become too powerful.Clay has his standards albeit they are not those of normal townsfolk while his friend and to some extent mentor Tom Morgan (Quinn) has no such illusions. He is a hard faced yet likable killer probably the one man actually faster than Clay. He sets up his gambling and hostess den to earn as much money as quickly as possible and then moves on. No commitments. Quinns character could have been developed more but perhaps that might have detracted from the storyline. DeForrest Kelly is entertaining as the slightly friendly gang member while Richard Widmarks part while it follows a standard pattern of the time is sometimes corny perhaps even boring. Not a classic western in the best sense but definitely one you will find yourself looking At again and again it is simply enjoyable.