While fans of "My Three Sons" and the Flubber films might not believe it, Fred MacMurray was the star of a wide variety of films up until the 1960s--romances, comedies, Film Noir and even Westerns. So I assume that an awful lot of people would be surprised to see a tough-as-nails version of Fred in FACE OF A FUGITIVE.The film begins with Fred being under arrest for bank robbery. However, he is in the process of escaping when his brother intervenes and shoots the deputy. Both the deputy and brother are killed in the process and Fred is assumed to be the guilty party--which he is not. So now he's not just on the run for robbery but murder.When he arrives in a far off town, no one there knows his identity. However, they have heard about the murder and are on the lookout for Fred. But, at least for a couple days, they don't have wanted posters, so they have no idea what he looks like. Unfortunately for Fred, he can't leave town because deputies have the roads out of town covered--in case this killer tries coming in or out of the city. So, he's stuck, at least for now, and begins to make friends in the town--particularly with a pretty lady as well as the sheriff.Overall, it is an exceptional western--even with "Steve Douglas" in the lead. I particularly like how it ended--it was exciting yet a bit vague--which I enjoyed. Good acting and a good script--this one is a keeper.

If the big idea of "High Noon", which this movie resembles, was "Duty", then the big idea of "Face of a Fugitive" is "The Rule of Law". The plot hinges on a young sheriff's devotion to the law against the power of wealth and force ... and on a criminal who while trying to dodge the law, ends up defending it. Two lines stood out to me. In one, someone describes the sheriff as always reading his law books, "the way other men read the Bible". In the other notable line, the sheriff argues with his girlfriend that the law, not guns, must prevail, while the girlfriend says that he's wrong, that guns are more powerful. This movie suggests that both are correct, to a degree, but that ultimately, the law is both firmer and more generous, even to a fugitive.

The actor who all of us known from "My Three Sons" also did a few Westerns in his career and this one, Face of a Fugitive, is one of those. Others include Good Day for a Hanging and At Gunpoint. Out of the ones I've seen him in, this is my second-favorite. I like this movie a lot for many reasons. There is a good gunfight at the end, which is worlds better than some of the other ones we see in old 50s movies. The cast is well talented and the plot was very believable. Starring along with Fred MacMurray is Lin McCarthy and Dorothy Green. And there is also the famous James Coburn and an actor who I'm sure none of you have ever heard about, but he played the main villain of the show: the rancher named Reed Williams. Played by a fine actor named Alan Baxter, who, in my opinion, should have gotten a better career fame than what he did. You can see Alan Baxter in a lot of Westerns. He was also in Chisum as the governor, a few "Gunsmoke" episodes, and several other movies. Overall, Face of a Fugitive is a good movie and definitely worth checking out. And if you liked Fred MacMurray's performance in this, then you will definitely like Good Day for a Hanging.

"Face of a Fugitive" is one of those rare little gems that help define the American Western. It's theme of redemption through sacrifice is one harking back to the earliest days of the genre. A man calling himself Ray Kincaid arrives in town on his way to the Mexican border. His stay is marked by run-ins with both the law and a violent cattle baron, as well as by an affair with an engaging widow. The climax witnesses the transformation of the hero from fugitive to savior as he essentially gives up his freedom to save the life a friend. Craggy-faced Fred MacMurray is superb in the title role. And watch for good supporting performances by Ron Hayes and James Coburn. A thorougly enjoyable little oater.