Noose for a Gunman (1960)

This is a tender, generous movie that likes its characters and presents them as real people, full of flaws and strengths.

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.

Close shines in drama with strong language, adult themes.

It's simply great fun, a winsome film and an occasionally over-the-top luxury fantasy that never flags.

When the film begins, Case Britton (Jim Davis) enters a town that clearly doesn't want him. In fact, there's a noose with his name on it! It seems that years before, he'd been involved in some sort of shootout and he was exiled forever. He's back because he knows that a gang is about to rob the bank but many of the townsfolk don't believe him and refuse his help. The man behind much of this is the local boss-man (Barton MacLane--playing a VERY typical sort of role for him). What's to happen when the gang arrives? This material is pretty pedestrian and lots of westerns have been made with similar plot material. The evil boss is VERY common as is the town full of folks who refuse to stand up to the gang of outlaws--as are several other parts of the film. But, the film also has a couple things going for it--fine acting by Davis and a wonderful cliché-violating ending. See the film--see what I mean.

Having years of being a supporting player as a good and bad guy in various westerns, here, Jim Davis is the lead playing someone in the middle as Case Britton, who left town after shooting a couple of men for gunning down his marshal brother and is now back to warn the current marshal about a robber named Jack Cantrell (Ted de Corsia) awaiting a stagecoach to pilfer. His reasons, however, are personal as there's a woman named Della Haines (Lyn Thomas), who he plans to marry, inside. I'll stop there and just say this was another thrilling oater of Davis' that I'm glad to have seeked out on Netflix streaming. Fine direction by Edward L. Cahn helped immensely as well as good supporting turns by, besides the above, Harry Carey, Jr., Barton MacLane, Walter Sande, and Leo Gordon, among others. So on that note, Noose for a Gunman comes recommended.

Here's an above-average B Western with good acting, intelligent plot & characters. Nothing special plot-wise, just a solid B western that's not stupid. Ted de Corsia does the best acting in this film, in the midst of a solid cast. Walter Sande plays an almost unique character for a B Western, the town sheriff who is not the main Good Guy, yet acts sensibly & has intelligence, how odd! Barton MacLane, Lyn Thomas, Leo Gordon, & Harry Carey Jr. are all good in supporting roles. Jim Davis, the star of the film, puts in a fine, understated performance here, that reminds me in some ways of Wild Bill Elliot, which places Davis in the upper echelon of B Western actors, along with Elliot, although neither is a match for William Boyd (Hopalong Cassidy). For some reason, this film is not listed in either Maltin book (his main movie book or the B&W films review book). The rest of the cast is fine, too. Certainly worth a watch.

Jim Davis turns in a good performance here as a former bad-guy who returns to the scene of the crime, this time to warn others of impending danger. Many of the townsfolk shun his efforts, but the town's wise lawman believes him. Together they work to save the day...Davis does well in this meaty role..... one that allows him to draw from his years of acting experience as both a hero and villain. He is completely believable and convincing as the multi-dimensional lead. Davis was one of the few B-film actors who could have pulled this one off.This as an average oater, with an interesting plot and fine acting. Not a bad outing for those concerned. Not bad at all .........