Review of Gunsmoke

Gunsmoke (1953)
5/10
Audie Murphy / Baby-Face
30 December 2006
Audie's lines are tough and fearless. But I look into his eyes, and wonder where he left his teddy bear, just as I suppose we all do.

I have never seen an Audie movie with such a huge disconnect between how tough his lines are, and how sweet his face is. If everyone weren't so deadly serious, it would be satirical.

I sit there, and I just can't believe it. That's no way to watch a movie.

It's interesting to imagine the lines being delivered by a real tough, like Morgan Woodward or Clint Eastwood. Then the movie would start to make sense.

I understand Audie is a courageous war hero, and that Americans owe him as much as any veteran. Based on his baby-face, I have always found that paradoxical. My conclusion has always been that such a decent kid shouldn't have had to go into battle. Yes, it's a lesson.

Instead, my problem is with the casting director. Although Audie never lets any doubt leak through to his delivery, there is just no hiding how decent he is. It was a mistake to give him a role that's so darned tough. It just doesn't work.
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