Watch Angel and the Badman

Angel and the Badman is a western romantic drama film directed by James Edward Grant and released in 1947. The movie stars the legendary John Wayne, who also produced it, along with Gail Russell and Harry Carey. This black and white classic follows the story of a wounded gunslinger named Quirt Evans (John Wayne) who finds shelter in a Quaker family's home after being injured in a shootout. The film explores the unexpected romance that blossoms between him and a young woman named Penelope Worth (Gail Russell), and how their love runs contrary to Evans' outlaw ways.

The movie begins with Quirt Evans on the run after a gunfight that left him injured. He collapses near the farmstead of the Worth family, a Quaker family who takes him in and nurses him back to health. The Worth family's religious beliefs and values of pacifism clash with Evans' turbulent past and his love for guns and violence. Despite the conflict, Penelope feels drawn to Quirt, and the two begin to fall in love.

The arrival of Quirt's former girlfriend, Laredo Stevens (played by Ann Dvorak), further complicates things. Laredo is a saloon girl and a fellow outlaw who tries to convince Quirt to return to his bad ways. Quirt's inner turmoil between his outlaw lifestyle and his budding relationship with Penelope becomes complicated when a group of men led by the Marshal, played by Harry Carey, comes to arrest him for his crimes.

Throughout the movie, the romantic tension between Quirt and Penelope builds up, and their love story is depicted through several emotional and romantic scenes that showcase the chemistry between John Wayne and Gail Russell. Meanwhile, the conflict between Quirt's past and his love for Penelope brews to a boiling point.

Angel and the Badman stands out from other westerns from the era, as it focuses more on character development rather than on gunfights and action scenes. The film raises questions about the nature of violence, redemption, and forgiveness, while also exploring the themes of love and faith.

John Wayne's iconic performance as Quirt Evans is one of the most memorable aspects of the film. His portrayal of a rugged gunslinger who discovers love and the power of pacifism reflects his versatility and acting range. Gail Russell's portrayal of Penelope also stands out, as she brings an innocence and sincerity to her character that contrasts well with Wayne's ruggedness.

The film's direction by James Edward Grant is also commendable. His use of close-up shots and intimate moments between characters helps to convey the emotional depth of the story. The cinematography of the film is beautiful, with scenes of the open prairie and the afternoon sky adding to the film's aesthetic.

Overall, Angel and the Badman is an excellent western classic that features an engaging plot, memorable performances, and beautiful cinematography. It is a film that showcases the emotional struggles of a man torn between his violent past and newfound love for a woman who embodies peace and pacifism. The movie is a touching romantic drama that will appeal to fans of the western genre and those who appreciate a good love story alike.

Angel and the Badman is a 1947 western with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.