Angel & The Badman (1947)

How can you go wrong with a movie featuring the great Harry Carey as a philosophical lawman named Wistful McClintock? Well sir (or ma'am), you can't, and this first production from John Wayne's personal unit at Republic is simply one of the loveliest Westerns anybody ever made. The producer-star plays gunslinger Quirt Evans who, wounded by his archrival Laredo Stevens (Bruce Cabot), is taken in and sheltered by a Quaker family--in particular, by the daughter of the household, a dark-eyed angel (Gail Russell) who could entice Satan himself to the path of virtue. Not that these good people get pushy about converting "Brother Evans." For his part, Marshal McClintock, who's amiably looked forward to hanging Quirt someday, keeps dropping by to see which happens first--Quirt's reformation, or Laredo's return to finish the job he started.

Entrusting the direction to screenwriter James Edward Grant, Wayne bolstered Grant's debut by tapping Yakima Canutt to handle the hard-riding second-unit stuff. The Duke also stole a few moves from a little project he'd been working on with Howard Hawks, Red River. Such larceny may have been superfluous. Grant wrote far and away the best script Wayne had ever had at Republic, creating a gallery of memorable characters (including comparative bystanders) and developing some very entertaining business for them--especially for such juicy character actors as Paul Hurst (the Quakers' mean-spirited neighbor), Olin Howlin (a braggadocious telegraph operator), and Hank Worden. The result was a minor classic deftly blending humor, romance, authentic sweetness, and just enough leathery menace to keep things on the generic up-and-up. This one's a real treat. --Richard T. Jameson Amazon.com

A New Romance or Not? Old Ways or New?

Gunslinger Quirt Evans always had a rough life. His parents were killed by Indians, and he was raised by cowboys. He is accustomed to a life of rootlessness, violence, liquor, loose women, and gambling. The sheriff follows this badman around, expecting to nail him on a new misdeed.

All this seems to change, in this romantic old western, when Penelope, a young woman of the Quaker family that is nursing the bullet-wounded Evans back to health, falls in love with him. He gradually warms up to her. But she wonders--does love come all at once, or gradually? More important, are the feelings mutual?

The Quaker family prays that a greedy neighbor will let them have enough water for their flocks. Evans goes to the neighbor, and uses "friendly persuasion" to get him to release the water. It is even better than that. He completely changes his attitude to the Quaker family. "God works in mysterious ways," the family concludes.

In time, Evans has had enough of all the religiosity and "dullness". He leaves the farm, and goes back to his old life. Will he ever return to the heartbroken Penelope?

Evans is about to have a shootout with the men who originally wounded him. Just then, the Quaker family arrives on horse-drawn cart. Penelope, adhering to the Quaker belief in non-violence, persuades Evans to turn over his gun to her. Evans is then told by his adversaries to move away from the women, and to turn around. What now? Is he dead meat?
September 14, 2008

Rewiew of angel & the Bad Man

This will be short and sweet! This movie is one of the best early John Wayne movies. Made in the early 1940's, It has everything a good western should have; horses, a bar-room fight, cattle rustlin', and horses. Who could ask for more. (Also a love story mixed in.) July 19, 2008

This is a great movie, BUT...........

This is a great movie, but do not buy this version put out by Alpha Studios. The picture is ok but the sound is terrible. Buy the Goodtimes version instead. The picture and sound on the Goodtimes version are great. The DVD cover has Mr. Wayne by himself with a gun. Check the other reviews for the movie description but don't buy this version! March 20, 2008

Angel and the Badman

It is one of John Wayne's Best "chick Flicks" and my personal favorites. To me it is worth a 5 star. December 2, 2007

Hard Not To Like

This modest, low-budget, early Wayne western by Republic Studios is winsome, and proof that you don't need big money and bells & whistles to produce a worthwhile film.

Those picayune critics whose chief joy is to scoff at the first scent of 'corn' are advised to stay away from this one. Leave it to those who feel that a warmed heart is more important than dramatic imperfections. October 3, 2007

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