Reviews

A remake of the 1953 Western, Gun Belt (story by Arthur E. Orloff). Gun Belt was filmed in color and Five Guns to Tombstone is in black & white. Jim Brown gives a pretty good performance in the role of Billy Wade. I would guess Jim Brown is best known as Detective Harry McSween in the night time soap, Dallas. Jim had a great voice. These two films employ some of the same actors, Willis Bouchey, Red Morgan and Boyd Stockman. Also watch for Gregg Palmer as Mel Dixon in Five guns, Gregg was in a lot of John Wayne films. Gun Belt uses the character names, Wyatt Earp, Virgil Earp, Ringo and Ike Clinton (a 'take' on Clanton). These characters don't show up in Five Guns to Tombstone, but the story comes off just as well without them. These films are both 'middle of the road', but entertaining. If I had to choose between the two films, I would pick Five Guns to Tombstone. Although the story is the same, 'Five Guns' seems to progress more smoothly.

This is basically the same story as the 1960 film, Noose for a Gunman. Same writers, Steve Fisher & Robert E. Kent. Same production co., Robert E. Kent Productions. Ted de Corsia even plays the leader of the gang of 'bad guys' in both films. I prefer Noose for a Gunman over The Quick Gun, it seems to play out better. Along with that, Noose for a Gunman has quite a few of the best character actors: Jim Davis, Barton MacLane, Leo Gordon, Harry Carey Jr.,Lane Chandler, John Hart & Kermit Maynard. Lyn Thomas plays the female interest in 'Noose'. Noose for a Gunman is filmed in beautiful black & white, while The Quick Gun was in color. There is only four years between the two films, which seems like a short period of time for a remake/re-telling of the same story. This is not a bad film, but you should see them both to get the 'Big Picture'.

If you are a fan of early Duke movies, this Lone Star oldie is a good one. What more could you ask for than Duke, Yak, and Gabby. Lots of good ridin' and shootin'!!! I found it amazing that Duke's singing voice was Bill Bradbury, who is none other than Bob Steele's twin brother. It has been reported that Bob Steele was a high school classmate and friend of Duke, so twin brother Bill may have been too. Anyway, if you like good, clean, early western movies don't miss this one. We don't have to wonder about hidden meanings or try to figure out underlying themes. Just sit back, relax and enjoy a western movie from a simpler day and time. It's called entertainment folks!!!