Angel and the Badman (1947)

Don't listen to the negative reviews

It's fun, it's light, [but] it has a hard time when its tries to get heavy.

The first must-see film of the year.

A clunky actioner with a handful of cool moments.

A prolific screenwriter, James Edward Grant directed only three or four films, of which this is the first and the best, The Quakers are observed most sympathetically and the characters for the most part hold the interest and are neatly etched, despite a certain superficiality of approach: Miss Russell is charming, Mr. Wayne more than adequate, and the predictable romance is not allowed to obtrude too much on the action, splendidly staged by 2nd unit director Canutt against some impressive natural backgrounds. Although not nominated for any big Hollywood awards, I thought Stout's black-and-white cinematography was certainly the best Hollywood effort of the year and definitely had the edge over the two American films that were nominated in this section: Lang's The Ghost and Mrs Muir and Folsey's Green Dolphin Street. And it's good to see that Republic have taken good care of the master negative. Current prints are just as beautiful as those struck in the year of release. For a debut director, Grant has handled the movie with gratifying assurance and flair. Admittedly he was helped out by action specialist and long-time Wayne ally, Yakima Canutt. But he has certainly drawn sympathetic and/or enthralling performances from all his players. Of course his writing and dialogue have considerable appeal too. But it's hard to imagine any other players but Wayne and Russell in the lead roles, Carey as the philosophical marshal, and Cabot as the irredeemably mean bad guy. And no-one but Olin Howlin could handle a cowardly blatherskite with as much conviction and personal charisma as Olin Howlin. And for his behind-the-camera debut, producer Wayne has actually invaded John Ford territory and has brilliantly succeeded in equalling the master on his own turf.

ANGEL AND THE BADMAN is a John Wayne western with a greater emphasis on character development than usual; I found it quite interesting, although not one of his most exciting vehicles. He plays the "bad man" of the title, a wounded gunslinger taken in and healed by a Quaker family who teach him the ways of peace at the same time. The story is quite tender in places, and Wayne seems to relish the chance to play a character who develops a little differently in comparison to his usual tough guy persona. There are still some western staples and action for the fans to enjoy.

After years of running our main character a cowboy played by none other than the Duke decides that it's time to lay low for awhile,, after being shot,, he is taken in by a Quaker woman, who he eventualliy falls for,, he has to keep his past from her so he doesn't lose her,, he also has to hope that his past doesn't catch up to him , as one of his former partners is hanging around waiting for his speedy recovery. this movie shows a very different side of John Wayne that you don't get to see very often,, a quite reserved kind of solitude, instead of the gun toting,, angry man we see most of the time. Harry Carey also is very wonderful in this picture as is Gail Russel.. not a bad western at all as there is some action sequences and the Duke returns to form near the end of the movie.

Angel and the Badman is written and directed by James Edward Grant. It stars John Wayne, Gail Russell, Harry Carey, Bruce Cabot, Irene Rich, Lee Dixon and Stephen Grant. Music is by Richard Hageman and cinematography by Archie J. Stout.Quirt Evans (Wayne), a notorious gunman is hurt and on the run. Taken in by The Worth's, a Quaker family, Quirt forms a "special" bond with daughter Penelope (Russell). With the law and other badmen on his tail, will Quirt change his ways before it's too late? John Wayne's first film as a producer and star is also his most romantic. That's not to say it lacks action or Wayne's fine tuning of his macho image is halted, because that's not the case, but this carries a dreamy like old fashioned value that has helped the film endear over the years. It's a touch too slow at times for its own good and runs for ten minutes longer than was needed, things that no doubt stunted its financial growth at the 1947 box office, but there is much to enjoy here.Technical values are high, from Stout's photography that beautifully realises locations in Sedona, Arizona (Monument Valley standing out, naturally!), to cast performances from Carey, Wayne and the gorgeous Miss Russell (chemistry unbound between the three actors), film never lacks for quality. Memorable scenes are plenty, such as The Duke sitting in a chair facing down three henchmen led by Cabot's Laredo Stevens; his gun empty, a free-for-all punch up in a saloon, and some very tender moments between Wayne and Russell. While narratively there's the deft pitching of Quaker values into a wild west setting.A lovely film which also manages to pump the adrenaline as well. 7.5/10DVD version viewed was Region 2 taken out of the John Wayne Out West 6 film Box Set. A good quality black and white print.