Bullet for a Badman

Watch Bullet for a Badman

  • Approved
  • 1964
  • 1 hr 20 min
  • 6.4  (1,099)

Bullet for a Badman is a gripping western movie released in 1964, directed by R. G. Springsteen and starring Audie Murphy, Darren McGavin, and Ruta Lee. This movie tells the story of two brothers, one good and the other bad, who become entangled in a dangerous conflict in the arid landscapes of the Wild West. Audie Murphy plays Johnny Quarrel, a young man who is released from prison after serving five years for a crime he didn't commit. Johnny would like to start over, make amends with his brother, and lead a peaceful life, but he is immediately confronted with a new problem. His brother, Frank (Darren McGavin), is a notorious outlaw who has been ambushed and left for dead by a gang of bandits.

Frank begs Johnny to help him recover the gold he has hidden, but Johnny refuses to participate in any illegal activity. Frank, desperate and unscrupulous, poisons Johnny and forces him to accompany him on a perilous journey across the desert to retrieve the gold.

Along the way, the two brothers face multiple obstacles, including a group of Apaches, a treacherous river crossing, and a violent confrontation with the same gang that ambushed Frank. The tension between the brothers grows as they face these dangers, and the climax of the movie is a thrilling shootout that will keep the viewers on the edge of their seats.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Bullet for a Badman is the acting of the main cast. Audie Murphy, a former soldier and a highly decorated war hero, brings a great intensity and authenticity to his character, portraying Johnny as a man of principle and conscience, torn between loyalty to his family and his sense of right and wrong. Darren McGavin, on the other hand, gives a nuanced and complex performance as Frank, a cold-blooded criminal who is nevertheless capable of moments of vulnerability and regret.

In supporting roles, Ruta Lee shines as Lisa Lang, a saloon girl who is attracted to Johnny and provides him with vital information, and Beverley Owen adds a touch of glamour as Ruby Dunham, a wealthy widow who hires Johnny as her guide.

The cinematography of Bullet for a Badman is also impressive. The movie was shot on location in Arizona, and the vast, desolate landscapes of the desert are used to great effect, creating an atmosphere of desolation and danger that mirrors the psychological state of the characters.

The movie also features several action sequences that are well-choreographed and thrilling. The shootout at the end of the movie is particularly intense, as the two brothers face a large group of heavily armed bandits in a deserted ghost town, using every trick in the book to outsmart their opponents and survive.

Overall, Bullet for a Badman is an excellent example of the western genre, with a strong cast, a gripping plot, and impressive technical qualities. It combines action, drama, and moral dilemmas in a way that will satisfy both fans of classic westerns and newcomers to the genre. It is a worthy addition to the legacy of Audie Murphy, one of the greatest actors of his generation and a true American hero.

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Description
  • Release Date
    1964
  • MPAA Rating
    Approved
  • Runtime
    1 hr 20 min
  • IMDB Rating
    6.4  (1,099)