Honky Tonk (1941)

Good concept, poorly executed.

Absolutely brilliant

Blending excellent reporting and strong storytelling, this is a disturbing film truly stranger than fiction

Great movie. Not sure what people expected but I found it highly entertaining.

Cocky confidence man--with the fastest, most dishonest hands in the West--escapes a tar and feathering in a small town, only to wind up in a different community running a casino and chasing after the judge's daughter. Clark Gable is so at ease in the leading role that one can sense him coasting on auto-pilot; he invests this wily character with his own personality, which gives the part its only verve (the writing is too staid). Lana Turner can't do much with her role as the girl-who-won't be-had, and she seems too young and inexperienced for Gable anyway (there's no reason why he should take a fancy to her). Supporting players Frank Morgan, Marjorie Main, Claire Trevor and Chill Wills are far more interesting than the leads, yet a later turn to drama throws a wet blanket over the hijinks. The opening scenes are diverting, as is some of the dialogue ("Was that fella botherin' you?" .. "Not as much as I bothered him!"). ** from ****

...Lana like every other actress was up for the role of Scarlett O'Hara, but the role was not meant for her. The role of Elizabeth Cotton was however. The role of Elizabeth Cotton gives Lana an opportunity to play Scarlett O Hara in a role tailor made for her. There are many similarities between the characters, but more differences than similarities. Truth be told this is really Clark Gable's film. The film gives Clark an extended version of Rhett Butler as Candy Johnson. In fact one can almost picture Rhett Butler going from telling Scarlett O'Hara that he doesn't give a damn to changing his name, becoming Candy Johnson and falling for Elizabeth Cotton on the train. The story is no classic but it sure is fun to watch and cannot be remade today. It needs this cast, its leads and its supporting cast as well; Frank Morgan as Lana's dad, Majorie Main, and of course Gable's sidekick Chill Wills. 6.5 is too low for this film as it's very entertaining.

Clark Gable is a rogue trying to go straight, and Lana Turner is his wife in "Honky Tonk," a western from MGM that also stars Claire Trevor, Frank Morgan, and Marjorie Main. Gable is Candy Johnson, who blows into town, and after he wins $5,000, opens his own gambling establishment. He meets Elizabeth (Turner), whose father (Morgan) is an old crook with a respectable front as a judge. After he and Elizabeth get married, Candy gets a taste of power and starts trying to take over the town. All his efforts initially were for his bride, but his intentions get away from him.The two stars really make this film. Turner and Gable have great chemistry, as they proved in other films together (this was their first). Gable is in his Rhett Butler phase and is at his handsomest and most charming in this pre-war era - clever, tough, sexy, and soft-hearted. The very young Turner is a good match for him - she seems overwhelmed by Candy at first, but she's got her own toughness, too, and knows what she wants. Claire Trevor is Candy's ex-girlfriend, and she's excellent as a woman who knows all there is to know about Candy and has been around the block a few times herself."Honky Tonk" is a big MGM picture with wonderful stars and first-class production values. The script isn't the greatest, but you'll hardly notice.

I can't believe the relatively low score for this movie! It is unfathomable to me. I don't usually gush about movies but I enjoyed this film immensely. Dashing Clark Gable and glamorous Lana Turner have terrific chemistry and their witty (and later amorous) exchanges were pure enjoyment to behold. The supporting cast is also excellent. The sharply written screenplay is a perfect balance of romance, drama, action, and even comedy such as when Candy smooth talks his way through jams) that is executed with such aplomb and zest that I was on cloud nine after watching this film. This is not only one of my favorite westerns but also one of my favorite films period. It's a shame it isn't as much in the public consciousness as it deserves to be. Highest recommendation! 10/10