A prolific screenwriter, James Edward Grant directed only three or four films, of which this is the first and the best, The Quakers are observed most sympathetically and the characters for the most part hold the interest and are neatly etched, despite a certain superficiality of approach: Miss Russell is charming, Mr. Wayne more than adequate, and the predictable romance is not allowed to obtrude too much on the action, splendidly staged by 2nd unit director Canutt against some impressive natural backgrounds. Although not nominated for any big Hollywood awards, I thought Stout's black-and-white cinematography was certainly the best Hollywood effort of the year and definitely had the edge over the two American films that were nominated in this section: Lang's The Ghost and Mrs Muir and Folsey's Green Dolphin Street. And it's good to see that Republic have taken good care of the master negative. Current prints are just as beautiful as those struck in the year of release. For a debut director, Grant has handled the movie with gratifying assurance and flair. Admittedly he was helped out by action specialist and long-time Wayne ally, Yakima Canutt. But he has certainly drawn sympathetic and/or enthralling performances from all his players. Of course his writing and dialogue have considerable appeal too. But it's hard to imagine any other players but Wayne and Russell in the lead roles, Carey as the philosophical marshal, and Cabot as the irredeemably mean bad guy. And no-one but Olin Howlin could handle a cowardly blatherskite with as much conviction and personal charisma as Olin Howlin. And for his behind-the-camera debut, producer Wayne has actually invaded John Ford territory and has brilliantly succeeded in equalling the master on his own turf.

I don't watch Westerns, but I do watch John Wayne movies. I watch this one whenever it's on. It has a certain early Talkie feel to it; though made in 1947 ! It also epitomizes Wayne's advice on acting, that he once offered a younger actor- Talk low, talk slow, and don't say too much. Enjoy this movie.

ANGEL AND THE BADMAN is a John Wayne western with a greater emphasis on character development than usual; I found it quite interesting, although not one of his most exciting vehicles. He plays the "bad man" of the title, a wounded gunslinger taken in and healed by a Quaker family who teach him the ways of peace at the same time. The story is quite tender in places, and Wayne seems to relish the chance to play a character who develops a little differently in comparison to his usual tough guy persona. There are still some western staples and action for the fans to enjoy.

A western the good times with John Wayne showing here that really was the great actor of westerns in the role of Quirt Evans, an out-of-law is delighted with the daughter of a pastor, and radically change his life. The film produced by Republic, was directed by James Edward Grant, also a writer and screenwriter of numerous films, among them: The Sheepman, The Alamo, The Last Wagon, The Proud Rebel, Hondo, McLintock !, and many others. But "Angel and the Badman" had the merit to meet John Wayne and the beautiful Gail Russell, who, for all we know, lived a great passion for years and years. The film, in excellent black and white, has a very simple story, and is masterfully played by Wayne and Russell. It also has the presence of Harry Carey in the role of deputy chasing Quirt wherever he goes, developing a remarkable character and contributing to a film, initially without much pretension, stay forever etched in our memory. It is a nostalgic film that transports us to a very different era and that delights in the simplicity and competence of the actors and director.