Classic neo-western with Spencer Tracy excellent as the one-armed war veteran who arrives in a small, suspicious town looking for a missing Japanese farmer. The excellence comes from not knowing why Tracy is there or what happened to the farmer to make the townsfolk so nervous. As he begins to unfold the mystery the people we meet start to fall into three camps, those who are with him, those who are against him and those too scared to speak out.
Portrayed over a 24 hour period and filmed almost exclusively in a bright, oppressive sun which mirrors the welcome Tracy receives you can't help but find yourself sitting on the edge of your seat as you wonder if he'll make it out or if the sheer weight of angry townsfolk will make him disappear as well. The small town location is put to good effect as it apears both claustrophobic and spooky, as if everyone is constantly watching the new stranger, afraid of what he might uncover. Highly recommended. |
