I wonder if one of the turnoffs to this film (since it lost money) was that at least in the beginning it sort of reminds one of "High Noon", in that a town is caught in the middle between the "bad guys" (a dictatorial rancher) and what is right to do. Cowardice versus courage.However, the film quickly veers off in another direction as Henry Fonda proves to be a new activist unofficial sheriff with a fabled past (but how accurate is it). And then there is Richard Widmark -- a man caught between the evil rancher (for whom he used to work, and for whom his brother still works), and what he knows is wrong. But, this isn't a two handed deal. Anthony Quinn is along for the ride as an ally of Fonda's although hardly a man with a sparkling past...or present. Dorothy Malone plays the ex-lover of Quinn, with her own agenda.There are several reasons to give this movie high points. First, even though the basic story may be fairly traditional, there's more complexity here than we usually see in a western.Henry Fonda is superb here, Almost as good as I've ever seen him. Fonda is interesting. Certainly in the A list of actors in that era, but never quite as successful as a Cary Grant or Jimmy Stewart. And I've never quite figured out why.Richard Widmark interests me. He was able to transfer from a true bad guy in his early pictures to a rather odd leading man. Very underrated, Here his role is a little slim in the early part of the film, but gets more screen time and complexity as the film proceeds. And when his role expands, he's very good.Anthony Quinn was doing better than his early films here, but he was not yet into his most productive period. There hints here that Anthony Quinn's character was gay or bi. It occurred to me several times throughout the film, particularly toward the end. And what was he supposed to have -- a club foot? That wasn't clear to me...or why I never cared much for Dorothy Malone, and still don't.There are a number of well-known character actors along for the ride, including Frank Gorshin.A word needs to be said here about the scenery. It's outstanding, and mostly filmed around wonderful Moab, Utah, including Dead Horse State Park.This film is worth watching for one very good reason -- it's very different. Additionally, the acting is, overall, quit good. Recommended.

The town of Warlock is being terrorized by a gang of violent cowboys. So the townsfolk hire notorious gunfighter Henry Fonda and his club-footed sidekick Anthony Quinn to protect them. Later, a man (Richard Widmark) who has left the cowboys because he disapproved of their actions is appointed the deputy sheriff of Warlock. This sets up conflicts involving the cowboys, the hired guns, and the law.Strong cast in thinly-veiled version of Wyatt Earp/Doc Holliday story. The stars are all great. Fonda appears to have had an accident with ink and got a lot of it in his hair. There's solid support from the likes of Wallace Ford, Tom Drake, DeForest Kelly, and Frank Gorshin. Dorothy Malone and Dolores Michaels have the only two prominent female roles and both are fine. It's an intelligent, layered western with good performances and a quality script. The basic plot is nothing new, even for 1959, but it's handled in such a way it feels fresh. Subtext fans will have a field day with Quinn's character.

There is no doubt that this Film was brilliantly put together both in Direction and Star Quality. When you put together Henry Fonda, Richard Widmark and Anthony Quinn, you know you are in for a treat. The story is quite superb and a far cry from many of the Westerns being churned out in the Fifties. As the Marshal who is quite dangerous, in his own way, Fonda is really the star around which so much resolves. Widmark as a reformed outlaw turned Deputy Sheriff plays his role to perfection, while Anthony Quinn as the crippled close friend of the Marshal is integral to the final outcome. They are greatly supported by a well-worn Dorothy Malone, and to me at least a surprising good performance by Tom Drake as the cruel and somewhat cowardly leader of the Outlaws. It is one of the last Cinemascope big movies by Fox, and the photography and atmosphere are quite spectacular.

Warlock represents one of those western timepieces when the sets, characters and colours had that certain shade to them and before the cynicism of the 60's. The classic situation where the town brings in a hired lawman to help them against an evil gang who are taking too much for granted and become too powerful.Clay has his standards albeit they are not those of normal townsfolk while his friend and to some extent mentor Tom Morgan (Quinn) has no such illusions. He is a hard faced yet likable killer probably the one man actually faster than Clay. He sets up his gambling and hostess den to earn as much money as quickly as possible and then moves on. No commitments. Quinns character could have been developed more but perhaps that might have detracted from the storyline. DeForrest Kelly is entertaining as the slightly friendly gang member while Richard Widmarks part while it follows a standard pattern of the time is sometimes corny perhaps even boring. Not a classic western in the best sense but definitely one you will find yourself looking At again and again it is simply enjoyable.