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Alvarez Kelly is a classic western movie from 1966, directed by Edward Dmytryk and starring William Holden, Richard Widmark, and Janice Rule. The film is set during the American Civil War, and it follows the story of a former Confederate soldier named Alvarez Kelly (William Holden), who is hired by Union soldiers to transport a herd of cattle to a nearby fort.

The movie begins with a group of Union soldiers led by Colonel Tom Rossiter (Richard Widmark) raiding a Confederate supply depot. Among the items they seize are several hundred head of cattle, which they plan to use to feed their troops. However, they soon realize that they do not have the manpower or expertise to drive the cattle safely to the fort. That's when they turn to Alvarez Kelly, a man with extensive experience as a cattle drover.

Kelly is initially reluctant to work with the Union soldiers, given his Confederate sympathies. But he ultimately agrees to the job, as he needs the money to save his ranch from foreclosure. He sets out with the herd, accompanied by Rossiter and a small group of soldiers. Along the way, they encounter numerous obstacles, including hostile Confederate soldiers and a band of cattle rustlers led by a woman named Charity Warwick (Janice Rule).

The movie features numerous action-packed scenes, including a thrilling train robbery and a dramatic showdown between Kelly and Warwick. But at its core, the film is about the relationship between Kelly and Rossiter. Despite being on opposite sides of the war, the two men develop a grudging respect for each other as they work together to overcome the challenges of the journey.

William Holden delivers a strong performance as Alvarez Kelly, a man torn between his loyalty to the Confederate cause and his desire to save his ranch. Richard Widmark is equally impressive as Colonel Rossiter, a pragmatic soldier who is willing to put aside personal animosity for the sake of completing his mission. Janice Rule is captivating as Charity Warwick, a strong-willed woman who is not afraid to stand up to the men around her.

The movie's setting is also noteworthy. While many westerns take place on the open plains or in small towns, Alvarez Kelly is unique in that much of it is set in densely wooded areas. This gives the film a different feel from other westerns, as the characters must navigate around trees and through narrow paths rather than riding freely across the open range.

Overall, Alvarez Kelly is a well-made and engaging western that explores themes of loyalty, honor, and friendship in the midst of war. It features strong performances from its three leads, exciting action sequences, and a unique setting that sets it apart from other films in the genre.

Alvarez Kelly is a 1966 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 56 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.