Decision at Sundown
Decision at Sundown

Movie spotlight

Decision at Sundown

1957
Movie
78 min
English

A man and his partner arrive at a small Western town to kill its most powerful man because the former blames him for his wife's death.

Insights

IMDb6.4/10
Director: Budd BoetticherGenres: Western, Drama

Plot Summary

A mysterious stranger named Bart Carey arrives in the town of Sundown seeking revenge against the woman who left him at the altar. His presence ignites tensions and stirs up old resentments, leading to a violent confrontation. As Carey confronts his past, the town's fragile peace is shattered, forcing its inhabitants to make difficult choices.

Critical Reception

Decision at Sundown is generally regarded as a solid, if somewhat standard, entry in the Western genre, particularly noted for its atmospheric direction and Randolph Scott's stoic performance. While not as acclaimed as some of Boetticher's other collaborations with Scott, it is appreciated for its straightforward narrative and effective pacing.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its gritty atmosphere and the signature style of director Budd Boetticher.

  • Randolph Scott delivers a characteristically strong performance as the determined protagonist.

  • The film offers a competent, albeit conventional, Western narrative.

Google audience: Audience feedback for Decision at Sundown is generally positive, with viewers often highlighting its classic Western appeal and the reliable presence of Randolph Scott. It's seen as an enjoyable film for fans of the genre, though not necessarily groundbreaking.

Fun Fact

This film was part of Budd Boetticher's series of Westerns starring Randolph Scott, often referred to as the 'Ranown Cycle' or 'Poetic Westerns', which are celebrated for their minimalist style and complex characters.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

4 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

The town of “Sundown” is having itself a wedding. Their boss “Tate” (John Carroll) is to marry “Lucy” (Karen Steele) and just as the preacher asks about anyone objecting, in comes “Allison” (Randolph Scott) with his fly for their ointment. ...

Wuchak

Wuchak

***Quaint town-bound Western soap opera with Randolph Scott*** Two ex-Confederates (Randolph Scott & Noah Beery Jr.) arrive in the town of Sundown on the wedding day of the town boss (John Carroll), whom the leader of the two (Scott) b...

John Chard

John Chard

They wont forget the day Bart Allison came to town. Bart Allison and Sam, his trusty companion, ride into Sundown looking for a guy named Tate Kimbrough. It appears that Kimbrough had a dalliance with Allison's wife some years earlier, a...

talisencrw

talisencrw

This may not be as strong as other Scott/Boetticher Westerns, such as 'Buchanan Rides Alone' or 'The Tall T', but it's very strong, and would make a great double bill with 'High Noon'--another fine flick about someone being brave enough to ...