Watch Cast a Long Shadow

Cast a Long Shadow is a classic Western movie from 1959, starring the legendary Audie Murphy, alongside Terry Moore and John Dehner. Directed by Thomas Carr, the film tells the story of a shameless drifter named Matt Brown (Audie Murphy) who inherits a vast cattle ranch from his adoptive father, a wealthy cattle baron. The catch is that Matt is not actually his adoptive father's biological son, and the real heirs are unhappy about losing their inheritance. The plot unfolds as Matt Brown tries to navigate the treacherous world of the Old West, facing fierce opposition from those who want to challenge his claim to the ranch.

The movie opens with a tense scene in which Matt and his loyal companion, Sundance (James Best), come across a group of menacing outlaws on their way to the ranch. Despite the danger, Matt refuses to back down and stands his ground, demonstrating the steely resolve that will be his hallmark throughout the movie.

Matt Brown is a complex and intriguing character, a man of few words who commands respect through his actions rather than words. He is haunted by his troubled past and is fiercely protective of the ranch and the family he has come to love. Terry Moore plays the beautiful and headstrong fiancee of Matt's adopted brother, and offers both romance and a much-needed dose of feminine energy in the testosterone-drenched world of the Old West.

The supporting cast is also strong, with John Dehner playing the role of a greedy lawyer who wants to take control of the ranch, and James Best providing comic relief as Matt's sidekick. The film explores complex themes such as family loyalty, greed, and the redemptive power of love, with a smart and thoughtful screenplay that adds depth to the classic Western genre.

One of the standout sequences in the movie is a gripping gunfight that takes place in a saloon, as Matt tries to keep the peace while defending his claim to the ranch. The shootout is expertly staged, with tense pacing and strong performances from the entire cast. It's a thrilling and memorable scene that underscores the high stakes of the story and sets the stage for the action-packed climax.

In addition to its strong performances and well-crafted script, Cast a Long Shadow is notable for its excellent cinematography, capturing the stark beauty of the New Mexico landscapes where the movie was filmed. The wide-open vistas, rugged cliffs, and rugged terrain provide the perfect backdrop for the story, and the skilled camera work adds to the sense of epic scale that the movie evokes.

Overall, Cast a Long Shadow is a classic Western that stands the test of time, thanks to its beautiful cinematography, strong performances, and smart screenplay. Audie Murphy shines in his role as Matt Brown, bringing depth and complexity to a character who is both a hero and an outsider. The movie is a must-see for fans of the Western genre, and a great introduction for those who are new to the genre.

Cast a Long Shadow is a 1959 western with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1.