The Payoff
The Payoff

Movie spotlight

The Payoff

1942
Movie
74 min
English

The city's District Attorney is murdered, and a newspaper reporter investigates. He starts finding out that everything wasn't quite as cut and dried as it appeared to be.

Insights

IMDb6.3/10
Director: B. Reeves EasonGenres: Western, Crime

Plot Summary

A rancher becomes entangled in a web of deceit and danger when he tries to help a beautiful but mysterious woman. He finds himself up against ruthless criminals and a corrupt sheriff, all while trying to uncover the truth behind the woman's past. The situation escalates as he must fight to protect his ranch and his life from those who seek to exploit him.

Critical Reception

This B-movie Western received a standard reception for its time, appreciated by fans of the genre for its straightforward plot and action. Critics at the time noted its predictable narrative but acknowledged its entertainment value as a Saturday matinee feature.

What Reviewers Say

  • A serviceable, albeit uninspired, Western programmer.

  • Offers predictable thrills suitable for genre fans.

  • Weak plot development but adequate action sequences.

Google audience: Audience reception is not widely documented for this film, but it is generally considered a typical B-Western of its era.

Fun Fact

B. Reeves Eason, the director, was a prolific filmmaker known for his extensive work in Westerns, often directing many films in a single year, and also had a significant career as a stuntman in the silent era.

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TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

A public prosecutor is murdered and a wise-cracking tabloid journalist (Lee Tracy) with contacts (legit and not) sets out to track down the perpetrator. As we progress through this unremarkably procedural crime thriller, we discover that th...