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A Day of Fury (1956)
Lastgun
This is not a big budget western. You have to remember that when considering its worth. It's a classic "B" western. I'm not sure why this western would rate low in any old western lovers opinion. I know that this is not a typical role for Dale Robertson. He is playing against type. He is almost always the good guy. His Jagade character starts out fine enough, maybe even heroic in saving the life of the town sheriff. I would point out how well Robertson handles his role as the bad guy, because you are pretty much despising him before the midway point of the movie. Jagade is egotistical, selfish, and all around despicable in just about every way possible. There are not many redeeming qualities to him. He even uses his act of heroism to try to control the marshall through guilt. The marshal is played by one of Hollywood's best western stunt men, Jock Mahoney. His character is loyal to a fault and even though it seems he is bending to Jagade's every whim, Mahoney's turn as the town marshal will surprise you. Mahoney is not the best actor, but watch his character closely, because he is not what he seems to be. This western is not too bad. Let Dale Robertson have his fun playing against type. He plays Jagade to the hilt as a completely despicable bad guy. Even Robertson's disgusting mannerisms he displays as the gunfighter will start getting on your nerves. To me, he's great in this one, and Jock Mahoney's role as the reserved town marshal was one of his better roles in a western. Mara Corday is as beautiful as ever playing the reformed dance hall girl. Remember folks it is a "B" western. Enjoy it! I certainly did. Every time I see it, I enjoy it a little bit more. Robertson is a "B" western favorite of mine, and it's great to see this perennial, good guy actor chew up the scenery as the arrogant Jagade. They say that Mahoney was such a good stunt man, that if he refused to do a stunt, other stunt men refused to do it also, deeming it too dangerous. You might think he seems a little wooden in his role as the marshal, but I think he totally captures the quiet, but dangerous lawman. Plenty worth watching. For me, numerous times.