The Hangman
The Hangman

Movie spotlight

The Hangman

1959
Movie
87 min
English

A marshal nicknamed "The Hangman" because of his track record in hunting down and capturing wanted criminals traces a robbery suspect to a small town. However, the man is known and liked in the town, and the citizens band together to try to help him avoid capture.

Insights

IMDb6.7/10
Director: Michael CurtizGenres: Western, Drama, Crime

Plot Summary

A mysterious bounty hunter known only as 'The Hangman' arrives in a desolate town. He is on the trail of a dangerous outlaw, but his true motives and identity are shrouded in secrecy, leading to suspicion and tension among the townsfolk. As he closes in on his quarry, the secrets of his past begin to unravel, revealing a complex man driven by a personal vendetta. The film culminates in a dramatic confrontation that challenges the very notion of justice.

Critical Reception

The Hangman received a mixed but generally favorable reception from critics upon its release, with many praising its dark tone and Robert Cummings' performance. While some found the plot predictable, others appreciated its mature handling of Western themes and its gritty atmosphere, setting it apart from more conventional oaters of the era.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its atmospheric and somber portrayal of the West.

  • Robert Cummings' performance as the enigmatic bounty hunter was a highlight.

  • Some critics found the narrative pacing to be somewhat slow.

Google audience: Audience reception information for 'The Hangman (1959)' on Google is not readily available, making it difficult to summarize specific user likes or dislikes.

Fun Fact

The film marked one of the final directorial efforts of the legendary Michael Curtiz, who had a prolific career spanning over 50 years and directing iconic films like 'Casablanca'.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

3 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

“Bovard” (Robert Taylor) is a marshal with a reputation for always getting his man dangling on the end of a rope. His arrival in this small town, though, presents him with rather an unique problem: “Johnny” (Jack Lord) is the man he is tryi...

Wuchak

Wuchak

_**Town-bound B&W Western with Robert Taylor and Ginger**_ An uncompromising marshal known as ‘the Hangman’ (Robert Taylor) rides into a town to apprehend a suspect (Jack Lord), but needs a witness to identify him and so enlists a strugg...

John Chard

John Chard

Marshal Mac Bovard - The Hangman. The Hangman is directed by Michael Curtiz and written by Dudley Nichols and Luke Short. It stars Robert Taylor, Tina Louise, Fess Parker and Jack Lord. Music is by Harry Sukman and cinematography by Loya...