Watch Jubal

In the western drama film Jubal from 1956, Glenn Ford plays the title character, Jubal Troop, a wanderer who is found by Shep Horgan (Ernest Borgnine), the owner of a cattle ranch in Wyoming. Shep offers Jubal a job as a cowhand, and Jubal proves to be a hardworking and reliable worker who soon gains the respect of the other cowboys. However, Shep's jealous and manipulative foreman, Pinky (Rod Steiger), sees Jubal as a threat and begins a campaign to turn Shep against him.

As Jubal settles into the job and makes friends with the other cowhands, he becomes involved with Shep's wife, Mae (Valerie French). Mae, who is unhappy in her marriage and feels neglected by Shep, is drawn to Jubal's kindness and sensitivity. Their relationship becomes the talk of the ranch, with Pinky spreading rumors and insinuations about their behavior. Shep, who is oblivious to his wife's unhappiness and the rumors, is initially supportive of Jubal and even promotes him to a higher position.

However, as Pinky's scheming intensifies and the tension between Jubal and Shep escalates, things come to a head in a violent confrontation that changes the course of all their lives.

Jubal is a classic western tale of loyalty, betrayal, jealousy, and redemption. It explores the themes of honor, duty, and personal and moral integrity, and asks tough questions about the nature of love, fidelity, and passion. The film's striking cinematography captures the stark beauty of the Wyoming landscape and the rugged lifestyle of the cowboys who work there.

The performances by the three leads are outstanding. Ford brings depth and pathos to the character of Jubal, a man haunted by his past and struggling to carve out a new life for himself. Borgnine is magnificent as Shep, a powerful and charismatic figure whose insecurities and weaknesses threaten to destroy him. Steiger is chillingly villainous as Pinky, a man consumed by jealousy and hatred and willing to do whatever it takes to get what he wants.

Jubal is also notable for its strong female characters. French portrays Mae as a complex and conflicted woman trapped in a loveless marriage, whose feelings for Jubal ignite a powerful emotional awakening. While her role is somewhat limited, Felicia Farr as Naomi Hoktor, the wife of the ranch's former foreman, provides a counterpoint to Mae's plight, demonstrating the strength and resilience of a woman who has faced adversity and emerged on the other side.

The film's screenplay, based on a novel by Paul I. Wellman, is intelligent and tightly constructed, with well-drawn characters and sharp dialogue. It reflects the social and cultural changes of the 1950s, including shifting gender roles and a more nuanced understanding of complex human relationships.

Overall, Jubal is a gripping and emotionally charged western that stands the test of time. Its exploration of timeless themes and its outstanding performances make it a must-see for fans of the genre and anyone who appreciates great cinema.

Jubal is a 1956 action movie 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 7.1.