Henry Hathaway directs this successful, but lumpy, wayward western-drama scripted by John Michael Hayes, featuring a title character originally introduced in Harold Robbins' book "The Carpetbaggers" (making this film a prequel of sorts). Steve McQueen is the young half-breed avenging the deaths of his parents by heartless cowboys Karl Malden and Arthur Kennedy; Brian Keith plays a mentoring, sympathetic gun-salesman who teaches Steve how to shoot; Suzanne Pleshette is a love-interest from the backwoods. Overripe scenario gets big boost from charismatic McQueen, excellent as usual. The supporting work from the men is also strong, though attractive Pleshette hasn't gotten a handle on her role and remains a puzzlement. The story strays all over the place, but Hathaway's pacing never drags and it's quite a good show for both western-buffs and soap fans. **1/2 from ****
Review of Nevada Smith
