The players in an ongoing poker game are being mysteriously killed off, one by one.
In a remote Wyoming town in 1880, a poker game turns deadly when one of the players is murdered shortly after the game concludes. The remaining players, including a mysterious preacher, become the prime suspects as a vigilante begins to systematically hunt them down, leaving a trail of bodies. A lonely gunfighter, Lindberg, arrives and gets drawn into the unfolding mystery and the escalating violence, attempting to uncover the killer's identity before he strikes again.
5 Card Stud was a moderate success, praised for its dark tone and suspenseful atmosphere, blending the Western genre with elements of a whodunit. While some critics found its violence and bleak outlook unsettling for the time, many lauded its competent direction, strong performances, particularly from Dean Martin and Robert Mitchum, and its engaging plot. Audience reception was generally positive, appreciating the film's departure from typical Western tropes.
Google audience: Audience reviews often highlight the film's unique blend of mystery and Western elements, with many appreciating the unexpected twists and the gritty, mature themes. Performances are frequently cited as a strong point.
The film's original script was intended to be a murder mystery set in a church, with the poker game being a secondary element. However, producer Hal Wallis felt the Western setting offered more potential for visual scope and action, leading to the final adaptation.
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