Watch Backlash

Backlash is a 1956 film noir Western that centers around the story of Jim Slater (Richard Widmark), a man seeking revenge for the murder of his father during a stagecoach robbery. After serving in the army, Slater spends three years tracking down the five men responsible for his father's death. Detective Kelsey (John McIntire) initially arrests Slater for his vigilantism, but after learning the truth behind his actions, Kelsey agrees to help him find the killers. Together, they track down one of the men, Pop Keith (Barton MacLane), who refuses to reveal his accomplices' identities before he dies.

Despite setbacks, Slater and Kelsey continue their pursuit and gather enough evidence to prove the guilt of the remaining four men. One of them, Johnny Cool (William Campbell), is engaged to Slater's childhood friend, Sally (Donna Reed), but she has no knowledge of Johnny's criminal past.

As the tension builds, Slater faces a difficult decision of whether to pursue his revenge or protect his friend from the truth. The film's climax takes an unexpected turn, and the characters' motivations and alliances become even more complicated.

Backlash delivers a typical but well-executed revenge plot through the perspective of a Western, with strong performances from Widmark, Reed, and Campbell. The movie explores themes of justice, morality, and the consequences of seeking vengeance.

Overall, Backlash is an intense and straightforward film that keeps its viewers engaged with its tight storyline and memorable characters. The Western elements, such as the rugged landscapes and shootouts, add to the film's visual appeal while satisfying fans of the genre.

Backlash is a 1956 mystery with a runtime of 1 hour and 24 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.