The Sundowners (1950)

This compact little western, from the legendary western novelist Alan LeMay ("The Searchers"), has Robert Preston and Robert Sterling portraying two brothers who find themselves on opposite sides of the legal fence. Sterling, toting the mustache this time, is the bad guy. Preston's son is caught in the crossfire, menaced by Sterling. The 1950 version should not be confused with the 1960 Warners film of the same name, which is set on an Australian sheep ranch. Bonus Features: Digitally Re-mastered from 35mm negative| Scene Selection Menu| Bios| Photo Gallery| VCI Western Promo| Bonus Episode from "Stories of the Century" TV Series. Specs: DVD5; Dolby Digital Mono; 83 minutes; Color; 1.33:1 Aspect Ratio; MPAA - NR; Year - 1950; SRP - $9.99.

Fine Western....good print

THE SUNDOWMERS (1950) was a Alan LeMay/Templeton production, via Eagle-Lion, which competed briefly with some of the larger releasing studios in the later 1940's early '50s. Until VCI's release I'd never seen a good print of it, either on VHS or DVD. The VCI technicolor print is very good, and purchasers will not be disappointed. The film boasts stellar performances by an underrated Robert Preston and, in a sometimes comic role, Chill Wills. Robert Sterling is fine as well, but Preston steals the show. A young John Barrymore, Jr., plays the younger brother to Sterling and Preston. Eagle-Lion followed THE SUNDOWNERS with a sequel, HIGH LONESOME, starring Barrymore....it's an okay film [VCI has it out as well, in another fine technicolor print], although Barrymore lacks the panache of a Preston. Still, at the inexpensive price asked, worthwhile investigating....
As an earlier reviewer commented, the liner notes mix up Preston and Sterling, but this should in no way deter you from purchasing THE SUNDOWNERS, an enjoyable film and very welcome. Extras include cast bio's and scene selections. Our thanks to the adventuresome folks at VCI who contine to do great work in releasing good prints of some B (and A) level Westerns, classic horror, film noir, adventure films, and serials! August 21, 2006

DaViD Pasadena Australia.

VCI should check their marketing notes before release. We are informed on the back cover that Robert Preston is the hero and Robert Sterling is the villain, this is completely wrong. Try the other way about. Also their description of the story line is inaccurate. For the most part the transfer from a technicolor print is very good to excellent. The sound is always audible but has some distortion at times. Enjoyable western with all players in good to top form, the only let down is the direction which lacks cohesion. Over all I was pleased with my purchase, and a good copy on dvd is rare. September 11, 2005

More reviews at Amazon.com ...