Lawman
Lawman is an American western television series originally telecast on ABC from 1958 to 1962 starring John Russell as Marshal Dan Troop and featuring Peter Brown as Deputy Marshal Johnny McKay. The series was set in Laramie, Wyoming during 1879 and the 1880s. Warner Bros. already had several western series on the air at the time, having launched Cheyenne with Clint Walker as early as 1955. The studio continued the trend in 1957 with the additions of Maverick with James Garner and Jack Kelly, Colt .45 with Wayde Preston, and Sugarfoot with Will Hutchins. One year later, Warner Bros. added Lawman and Bronco with Ty Hardin. Prior to the beginning of production, Russell and Brown and producer Jules Schermer made a pact to maintain the quality of the series so that it would not be seen as "just another western." At the start of season two, Russell and Brown were joined by Peggie Castle as Lily Merrill, the owner of the Birdcage Saloon, and a love interest for Dan.
Insights
Plot Summary
A hardened, ruthless U.S. Marshal is tasked with bringing a notorious outlaw to justice. However, his methods are as brutal as those of the criminals he hunts, leading to a violent confrontation that blurs the line between lawman and outlaw. As the marshal pursues his quarry, he must confront his own violent nature and the moral ambiguity of his actions.
Critical Reception
Lawman was met with generally positive reviews from critics upon its release, who praised its gritty realism, intense atmosphere, and strong performances, particularly from Burt Lancaster. While it wasn't a massive box office success, it has since been recognized as a significant and influential film within the Western genre for its mature themes and uncompromising portrayal of violence and morality.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its dark and realistic portrayal of the Western frontier.
- Burt Lancaster's performance as the morally ambiguous marshal is a standout.
- The film's unflinching look at violence and justice sets it apart from typical Westerns.
Google audience: Viewers appreciate the film's suspenseful narrative and the compelling, complex character of the marshal. Many highlight its gritty authenticity and effective depiction of the harsh realities of the West, though some found its bleakness challenging.
Fun Fact
Director Don Siegel initially wanted Clint Eastwood to play the role of the outlaw, but the studio insisted on Robert Shaw.
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