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After robbing a bank Murphy assumes the identity of his pursuer, a famous US Marshal, when he stumbles into a town and is confronted by the local judge, Matthau. Murphy is forced to remain as the new Marshal; an old flame, Scala, nearly unmasks him by accident, only to be forced to assume the ruse of being Murphy's wife. The "couple" given a house and respectability, which neither has had before. They maintain the charade to avoid hurting a young orphan boy, Matthau's ward. Scala is torn by her loyalty to boyfriend planning to rob the bank and growing feelings for Murphy
A smooth-talking gambler, Jedediah "Jed" Harper, arrives in a small frontier town and attempts to swindle the locals. However, his plans are complicated when he's mistaken for a renowned U.S. Marshal and finds himself tasked with bringing a dangerous outlaw to justice. Juggling his con artistry with his newfound, albeit accidental, law enforcement duties, Jed must navigate a treacherous path between his own self-interest and the expectations of the townsfolk.
Ride a Crooked Trail was met with mixed to positive reviews, with critics generally praising its lighthearted approach to the Western genre and the performances of its lead actors, particularly Audie Murphy's charismatic turn and Walter Brennan's comedic timing. While not considered a groundbreaking Western, it was appreciated as an entertaining and enjoyable diversion.
Audie Murphy's charm is a highlight in this comedic Western.
Walter Brennan provides memorable comedic relief.
An enjoyable, if somewhat predictable, Western romp.
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Audie Murphy, a decorated World War II veteran, often played heroic characters, and his persona in 'Ride a Crooked Trail' builds on that established image while incorporating a comedic element.
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This is quite a good, light-hearted little western featuring Audie Murphy as an escaping bank robber who arrives in a town only to be mistaken by the local judge - a feisty Walter Matthau - for a likely candidate for sheriff. When Gia Scala...
Middle of the Street. Ride a Crooked Trail is directed by Jesse Hibbs and adapted to screenplay by Borden Chase from a story written by George Bruce. It stars Audie Murphy, Walter Matthau, Gia Scala, Leo Gordon, Henry Silva and Eddie Lit...
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