... and they still can't turn out a decent script. It's not surprising that the majority of writers (and there were nine in total) remain uncredited. I suspect they asked to be disassociated with this turkey rather than being bounced. On paper it has legs, Gable and Turner in the lead, Frank Morgan, Albert Dekker, Claire Trevor and Chill Wills holding their coats, but in practice it's a serious disappointment. If it took nine brains to come up with the idea of one man wanting it all in the wake of a modest success it clearly needed nine directors to make it palatable and all we get is one journeyman, Jack Conway, not even a second-rate Woody Van Dyke. On balance its best forgotten.

Cocky confidence man--with the fastest, most dishonest hands in the West--escapes a tar and feathering in a small town, only to wind up in a different community running a casino and chasing after the judge's daughter. Clark Gable is so at ease in the leading role that one can sense him coasting on auto-pilot; he invests this wily character with his own personality, which gives the part its only verve (the writing is too staid). Lana Turner can't do much with her role as the girl-who-won't be-had, and she seems too young and inexperienced for Gable anyway (there's no reason why he should take a fancy to her). Supporting players Frank Morgan, Marjorie Main, Claire Trevor and Chill Wills are far more interesting than the leads, yet a later turn to drama throws a wet blanket over the hijinks. The opening scenes are diverting, as is some of the dialogue ("Was that fella botherin' you?" .. "Not as much as I bothered him!"). ** from ****

Clark Gable is a rogue trying to go straight, and Lana Turner is his wife in "Honky Tonk," a western from MGM that also stars Claire Trevor, Frank Morgan, and Marjorie Main. Gable is Candy Johnson, who blows into town, and after he wins $5,000, opens his own gambling establishment. He meets Elizabeth (Turner), whose father (Morgan) is an old crook with a respectable front as a judge. After he and Elizabeth get married, Candy gets a taste of power and starts trying to take over the town. All his efforts initially were for his bride, but his intentions get away from him.The two stars really make this film. Turner and Gable have great chemistry, as they proved in other films together (this was their first). Gable is in his Rhett Butler phase and is at his handsomest and most charming in this pre-war era - clever, tough, sexy, and soft-hearted. The very young Turner is a good match for him - she seems overwhelmed by Candy at first, but she's got her own toughness, too, and knows what she wants. Claire Trevor is Candy's ex-girlfriend, and she's excellent as a woman who knows all there is to know about Candy and has been around the block a few times herself."Honky Tonk" is a big MGM picture with wonderful stars and first-class production values. The script isn't the greatest, but you'll hardly notice.

I can't believe the relatively low score for this movie! It is unfathomable to me. I don't usually gush about movies but I enjoyed this film immensely. Dashing Clark Gable and glamorous Lana Turner have terrific chemistry and their witty (and later amorous) exchanges were pure enjoyment to behold. The supporting cast is also excellent. The sharply written screenplay is a perfect balance of romance, drama, action, and even comedy such as when Candy smooth talks his way through jams) that is executed with such aplomb and zest that I was on cloud nine after watching this film. This is not only one of my favorite westerns but also one of my favorite films period. It's a shame it isn't as much in the public consciousness as it deserves to be. Highest recommendation! 10/10