Bad Bascomb (1946)

I don't have all the words right now but this film is a work of art.

If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.

The storyline feels a little thin and moth-eaten in parts but this sequel is plenty of fun.

Through painfully honest and emotional moments, the movie becomes irresistibly relatable

A notorious bank robber joins a traveling caravan of Mormons, takes a shine to a little girl, and helps them face life on the plains, especially with attacking Indians and a bandit he betrays who vows revenge.Bascomb (the irascible Wallace Beery) isn't all that bad. All he needs are cute little spelling contests with a little girl and the affections of an aging widow to look after his appetite. Margaret O'Brien, of course, is the cute little girl who enjoys spelling out words in conversation, while Marjorie Main is her cantankerous grandmother who dominates Beery's every minute after he promises to take care of them in the caravan. Beery wants to find the gold hidden somewhere in the caravan with the intention of robbing it, but changes his mind after becoming close with the group. This upsets his rough and tough partner (J. Carroll Naish).Beery brings sweetness to his gruff role, a true acting feat considering his off-screen treatment of the child stars he worked with. The spelling out of words between Beery and O'Brien adds to the fun and brings some additional dimension to their relationship, although there is not as much comedy as a pairing of this nature (along with Main who is both a delightful comic and a touching serious actress) should have. There's a great scene between Beery, Main and tough-but-nurturing Connie Gilchrist in a moment where Gilchrist gives Beery her husband's old jacket and Main steps in to prevent any hanky panky. There's also a great camp fire sing-along in which pivotal plot points are taking place in the background. The problem with the film is its over-length. There is a scene that is quite disturbing where Beery must verbally assault O'Brien to get her away from his plotting with Naish, but the tender moments between the two afterwords makes up for it.

I remember catching this little gem a while back on TCM very early in the morning. I've always enjoyed Berry, the proverbial "they don't make them like this anymore" kinda guy. It was a while later when I happened upon an article written about "The Most Undeserved Oscars Ever". It was based on the writers point of view, I guess, with some strong arguments to back up Their points. The most puzzling, was the Best Actor Oscar handed out to John Wayne for "True Grit". This was the writers point, and it's a GOOD one. The point is, John Wayne did an almost dead-on impression of Wallace Berry's "Bad Bascomb" through the entire movie, and got an Oscar for it....? I didn't give it a second thought until a recent viewing of "True Grit", and, well, It's pretty apparent. As to whether Mr. Wayne deserved the Oscar or not, I think it's amusing that the only time He didn't act like "John Wayne", he got an Oscar, and for doing an impression of Wallace Berry! Check it out for yourself, and you'll see it, too. I love both movies, but "True Grit" will never look the same to me again.

I absolutely loved this movie, it's funny, sad and a real heart grabber. A must see for anyone who loves these kind of movies!!! The actors are all great, especially Margaret O'Brien, I love to watch her in movies, she's as good as Shirley Temple and Natalie Wood!!! Makes a person wonder how a child her age can act so well and be so convincing, you'd never know it wasn't really happening!! I had never seen this movie before today, didn't even know it was on until I flipped to the TCM channel; I missed the first part of it, but what I did see was great, was hoping it would be on again so I could see it all, but it's not in my TV listings. I would love to have it on DVD or VHS. Anyone know where or how I can purchase it?

I found this a very interesting movie, and enjoyed Beery in his role. I was just surprised with the ending, I was expecting the Federal Officer to turn his back and let Beery return to the Wagon Train, but it ended with him riding off with the Officer. Not a traditional ending. Hope I didn't blow the ending for anyone.