This is the story of a Southern father, played by Alan Ladd, who is heading North (just after the Civil War) to find medical treatment for his mute son, played by David Ladd. The boy underwent some trauma during the war that has left him unable to speak. When the elder Ladd gets into trouble, farmwoman Olivia de Havilland bails him out with the judge, leading to his working on her farm to pay off the debt. She's having trouble with her neighbour Dean Jagger, so she needs all the help she can get. The Proud Rebel is a well made family western, with a little more emphasis on the family than on the western. Since they were, of course, a real life father and son, the Ladds have an excellent, real chemistry together on screen as well, with much quiet emotion. The younger Ladd is especially good in his role, delivering a very natural, believable performance. As the independent farmwoman, Olivia de Havilland may not seem to be the likely choice, but she is terrific in her characterization, bringing a mixture of warmth and toughness to her, as well as some good chemistry with both the Ladds. Director Michael Curtiz balances the action with the family relationships and sentiment, and the result is a film well worth viewing.
the proud rebel
My husband and I went to a theater in Toas New Mexico. That was in August of 1958. We enjoyed the movie very much. I'm sure we will enjoy having it to watch again.
A fine, sensitive movie
Proud Rebel is a fine story. Alan Ladd and his son are perfect in their roles; the senior Ladd bringing to Rebel much of the same characterization he brought to "Shane." A good watch, and worth having in a home library.
Good western scripts are rare. This one is excellent. The acting is very good. Robert Preston delivers his usual complex baddy performance to excellent effect. The character of "Whispering Smith" is tailormade for Alan Ladd. There is great support from all other members of the cast - which means very good direction. The only disappointment is the ending which is something of a let-down. More Info about this DVD Director(s): Leslie Fenton DVD Release Date: Released the 01 June 2004 Usually ships in 24 hours
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Four Faces West is a superb little Western, and it is satisfying to see it released on DVD. McCrea, Frances Dee [his real life wife], Charles Bickford [Dee's father], and Joseph Calleia head a fine cast. McCrea is eminently believable; his trademark taciturn, self-effacing character is captivating--not a single shot is fired in the entire movie! Bickford's Pat Garrett is also a stand out. Now, let us hope that some of McCrea's other oaters get released---maybe RAMROD (with Veronica Lake), or the playful SADDLE TRAMP (with John McIntyre) and CATTLE DRIVE (with Dean Stockwell). And there is STRANGER ON HORSEBACK, another superb little Western....and RIDE THE HIGH COUNTRY, already on VHS, desperately needs DVD release. More Info about this DVD Actor(s): Joel McCrea - Frances Dee Director(s): Alfred E. Green DVD Release Date: Released the 22 July 2003 Usually ships within 24 hours
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The Ox-Bow Incident is one of the essential Westerns, directed by William Wellman. A study of the effects--and aftereffects--of mob violence, this film (based on a true story) begins with the murder of a popular rancher. Angry townspeople form a posse, find suspects, and, without waiting for a trial, summarily hang them in an expression of biblically tinged frontier justice. But the one cowboy who tried to turn the mob aside ultimately proves that they executed innocent men. Made in 1943, the film features stunning black-and-white cinematography and a solid dramatic sense about what a deadly combination ignorance and self-righteousness can be. Fonda made this film between The Grapes of Wrath and My Darling Clementine, at a point when he was at the peak of his powers... More Info about this DVD Actor(s): Henry Fonda - Dana Andrews - Mary Beth Hughes Director(s): William A. Wellman DVD Release Date: Released the 04 November 2003 Usually ships in 24 hours
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The formula of 'bad guy turned good' works quite well. In spite of the charisma of Randolph Scott and Robert Young, I think that Dean Jagger is the leading light in this whilst, Virginia Gilmore adds the female charm. I liked it but then I am a western lover!!! More Info about this DVD Director(s): Ray Enright DVD Release Date: Released the 01 June 2004 Usually ships in 24 hours
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I've always liked Sante Fe Trail even though it may not be the most accurate and is definately not PC. Whenever I see this movie I can't help rooting for John Brown to succeed. The quality of the movie is very good. There are only a frames that are not crisp. I didn't notice any hiss.
The quality is Abilene Town is not great, but it is very watchable. The image is mostly dull and blurry, but there wasn't any hiss. This movie suprised me because of the plot and acting. Both are good. The love intrest does not follow the normal formula.
This DVD is worth purchasing. Another reviewer stated that he hadn't ever seen Abilene Town on DVD. More Info about this DVD Actor(s): Errol Flynn - Olivia de Havilland Director(s): Michael Curtiz DVD Release Date: Released the 27 February 2001 Usually ships within 24 hours
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