For me, it's hard to believe this film doesn't have that great of a reputation. Gary Cooper is in full form here as Link Jones, a now harmless man with a haunting past. He goes on a train looking for a school to hire for the new school they have in his town. While on the train, he meets Billie Ellis, a beautiful school teacher, played by Julie London. The train is attempted robbed, and Link is reunited with his old gag, who is led by Dock Tobin, Links's old and psychotic mentor, played superbly by Lee J. Cobb. Link is unlike the sadistic gang at all now, he's a hero, and he tries to stop them from doing any more damage. This is a film of great chemistry between Cooper and London's characters, a film of enough action and romance to satisfy any western fan, and of course another great performance from Gary Cooper. You have to admire his character."That's the ugliest thing I ever saw in my life", says Cooper's character. "You've never seen my ex- wife", Arthur O'Connell's character responds. This is a classic western.
Review of Man of the West
