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Glenn Ford was always worth watching and one can see as to why he was so popular during this period, when it came to acting in Westerns Ford was one of the giants. Have liked Shirley MacLaine ever since seeing 'The Apartment', here in a very early role with her film debut ('The Trouble With Harry') only from three years before. Leslie Nielson, also in an early role, was known more for his comedy, so it was interesting seeing him in a serious role.
And being somebody that loves 'Destry Rides Again', there was no doubt that that film's director George Marshall, who directs this also, would be a perfect choice for director. Which was exactly the case. 'The Sheepman' was to me a very entertaining film with a lot of charm about it too and proof that comedy and Western work very well together, though it seemed more a comedy than a Western and works a little better in the comedy department.
Is 'The Sheepman' perfect? Not quite. There is some distractingly fake rear projection at times and what there is of the action occasionally lacks excitement.
For my tastes too, Nielson seemed rather bland in his role which is one that is one of the least interesting ones of the film in the first place.
'The Sheepman' does benefit hugely from a perfectly cast Ford, very charismatic and has a charm and sparkle with a little grit too. Also on point is MacLaine, in one of her more at times sympathetic roles while also being typically boisterous. Edgar Buchanan and Mickey Shaughnessy stand out in in parts that suit them to the ground and play to their strengths. Amusing Slim Pickens likewise.
With the exception of the rear projection, 'The Sheepman' looks good in especially the photography which is quite stylish. As is Marshall's direction which has verve and wit. That verve and wit can be heard in the sparkling Oscar-nominated script, full of genuinely funny dialogue. The story is slight but has a lot of charm and makes one smile, seldom lacking in energy. Even if some of the action could have been more quantity wise and excited more.
Summing up, very enjoyable. 8/10
score 8/10
TheLittleSongbird 19 May 2020
Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw5752631/ |
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20-1-2021 00:48:09