Wuchak
**_Colorful Western marred by eye-rolling 50’s Hollywood-isms_**
After a man and a woman meet in Gila Valley in southern Arizona (Richard Widmark and Donna Reed), they eventually discern that they’re both looking for the mystery survivor...
Backlash
1956Movie84 minEnglish
Jim Slater's father (whom he never knew) died in the Apache ambush at Gila Valley, and Jim is searching for the one survivor, who supposedly went for help but disappeared with a lot of gold. In the process, he gets several people gunning for him, and he keeps meeting liberated woman Karyl Orton, who may be on a similar mission. Renewed Apache hostilities and an impending range war provide complications.
Insights
IMDb6.4/10
Director: John Sturges•Genres: Western, Drama
Plot Summary
A lone rider, Jim Backus, is traveling through Apache territory when he encounters a dying prospector. The prospector gives Backus a map to a gold mine and warns him about a killer named "Gat". Backus soon finds himself pursued by both the Apache and the law, as he is framed for the murder of the prospector. He must find a way to clear his name and reach the gold before the murderer does.
Critical Reception
Backlash was a moderately successful Western at the time of its release, appreciated for its solid direction and a strong performance from Richard Widmark. While not considered a groundbreaking film, it was generally seen as a competent and engaging entry in the genre.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its tense pacing and straightforward narrative.
- Richard Widmark's performance as the wrongly accused man was a highlight.
- A solid, if unremarkable, addition to the Western genre.
Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce for this older film, but general sentiment points to it being a well-made Western with good action and a compelling protagonist.
Fun Fact
The film was shot on location in Lone Pine, California, a popular spot for Western filming due to its dramatic landscape.
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My Review
TMDB Reviews
2 reviews
John Chard
There's things a man has to know and has to do, and it's best that he does them alone.
Backlash (1956) is directed by John Sturges and adapted by Borden Chase from the novel written by Frank Gruber. It stars Richard Widmark, Donna Reed, ...