One Foot in Hell
One Foot in Hell

Movie spotlight

One Foot in Hell

1960
Movie
90 min
English

Mitch Barrett becomes embittered because his wife is allowed to die when he can't pay for the medicine she needs. The remorseful townspeople hire Mitch to be a deputy sheriff, thereby enabling him to plot an elaborate bank robbery with the help of an artist, a pickpocket, a gunslinger and a bar-girl.

Insights

IMDb6.1/10
Director: James B. ClarkGenres: Western, Drama

Plot Summary

In the harsh landscape of the Old West, a ruthless rancher and his family struggle to survive against drought, outlaws, and their own internal conflicts. Facing economic ruin and constant threats, the family's bonds are tested as they fight for their land and their lives. The story explores themes of greed, survival, and the unforgiving nature of frontier justice.

Critical Reception

While "One Foot in Hell" was not a major critical success during its release, it has been recognized for its gritty portrayal of Western life and the performances of its cast, particularly Dan Duryea. Modern assessments often highlight its bleak tone and somber atmosphere as characteristic of its era's more serious Western dramas, though it's generally considered a B-movie or programmer rather than a classic.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for Dan Duryea's intense performance.

  • Noted for its bleak and unforgiving depiction of the West.

  • Considered a competently made, if unremarkable, Western.

Google audience: Audience reception is largely unavailable or undocumented through typical aggregators. What little exists suggests a mixed-to-positive reception, with viewers appreciating its traditional Western elements and Duryea's role.

Fun Fact

The film was shot in Technicolor, adding a distinctive visual style to its otherwise grim narrative.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
John Chard

John Chard

The last man and one dollar and eighty seven cents. One Foot in Hell is directed by James B. Clark and written by Aaron Spelling and Sydney Boehm. It stars Alan Ladd, Don Murray, Dan O'Herlihy, Dolores Michaels, Barry Coe and Larry Gates...