DVD Corner

The Fastest Gun Alive Blu-ray Review

“The Fastest Gun Alive” is a western that deserves more attention.

Based on “The United States Steel Hour” episode “The Last Notch,” 1956’s “The Fastest Gun Alive” is a slow-burn character drama western revolving around a general store owner (George Kelby Jr.). Although George lives a quiet, comfortable life in the tight knit town of Cross Creek with his pregnant wife Dora, something seems to be eating at George. We (the audience) learn that George and Dora have moved several times before and that George is harboring a secret about being a fast gunman. Of course, his real identity comes back to haunt him when a wanted bank robber (Vinnie Harold) who claims to be the fastest gunman rolls into town. As one might expect, Vinnie learns of George’s reputation and challenges him to a duel.

Directed by Russell Rouse, “The Fastest Gun Alive” is a refreshing western that spends less time on action and shootouts and instead focuses on character. The frequent psychological story unfolds like a mystery in that we aren’t quite sure what is in George’s past and what is bothering him so profoundly to the point where it puts a strain on his own marriage. As the story progresses and the answers begin to surface, George’s deep-seated issues aren’t what we thought they were, which is what makes ‘Gun’ so rewarding. Without delving into the plot surprises, the film intelligently explores themes about trauma, legends, proving yourself, fear, and guilt. Under less capable hands, the story could have dragged towards the inevitable showdown, but writers Frank D. Gilroy (who penned the original story) and Russell Rouse crafted a subtle, intense and wholly engaging western.

Cast wise, Glenn Ford delivers one of the best performances of his career. It’s hard to show an internalized performance like this, but Ford does so admirably. Russ Tamblyn may have a bit part, but his incredible (albeit seemingly) random barn dance number is a thing of cinematic beauty. This isn’t a musical whatsoever, but it has one of the greatest musical dances put to film. Jeanne Crain shines as George’s supportive but heartbroken wife Dora. Broderick Crawford makes a good villain as Vinnie while John Dehner steals the movie as his partner in crime Taylor Swope.

“The Fastest Gun Alive” is available through Movie Zyng and other online retailers.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.85:1 1080p. How does it look? Viewers can expect another winner of a restoration from Warner Archive. The B&W film looks crisp and clear from start to finish.

Audio Track: 2.0 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? A mostly clean and lively lossless audio track. 

Extras include 2 Tom and Jerry cartoons titled “Down Beat Bear” and “Blue Cat Blues,” and an original theatrical trailer for “The Fastest Gun Alive.”

July 29, 2023 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Glenn Ford, The Fastest Gun Alive Blu-ray Review, Warner Archive, western