Watch The Badlanders

The Badlanders, a 1958 western directed by Delmer Daves, is an engaging tale of two convicts, Clay and Decker, who are released from prison after serving their sentence for a train robbery. Hailed as a classic example of the genre, the film stars Alan Ladd, Ernest Borgnine, and Katy Jurado in stellar performances that bring to life a tense and thrilling story of greed, betrayal, and redemption.

The movie kicks off with Clay and Decker being released from prison and trying to readjust to their old ways of life. However, their freedom is short-lived when they are recruited by a fellow ex-convict Vic, who has a plan to rob a mining company of its gold shipment. The plan involves sneaking into the mine through an old adit, setting off explosives, and stealing the gold while it's being transported to the bank.

However, things take a dark turn when Clay and Decker realize that their accomplices, Vic and his lover Lisa, have their own twisted agenda, and they plan to double-cross them and keep all the loot for themselves. With the allure of a new life and riches, Clay and Decker are soon caught up in a web of greed and betrayal that threatens to destroy them all.

Alan Ladd delivers a powerful performance as Clay, the brooding and tough ex-con who yearns to start afresh but is dragged back into a life of crime by his own sense of loyalty to his friend Decker. As the film progresses, we see Ladd's character wrestling with his own conscience and trying to make the right choices, despite the betrayal and injustice that he faces.

Ernest Borgnine shines as Decker, an unconventional and unorthodox criminal who is more than happy to take risks and live a life on the edge. Borgnine's character brings a human touch to the movie, with his humor and wistful yearning for a better life. Katy Jurado, a Mexican actress who gained fame in Hollywood, provides a strong female presence in the film as Lisa, a sultry and manipulative woman who is as deadly as she is beautiful.

Apart from the stellar performances by the lead actors, the movie is notable for its gripping plot and stunning visuals. The film was shot on location in Death Valley, California, which provides a stark and barren backdrop to the action. The cinematography captures the harsh and unforgiving landscape, with its vast stretches of sand dunes and rocky terrain, which adds to the sense of danger and desperation felt by the characters.

The film has its share of action sequences, including a thrilling train robbery scene and a tense final shootout that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats. But what sets The Badlanders apart from other westerns of its time is its emphasis on character development and the moral dilemmas faced by the lead characters. The movie is a meditation on the themes of loyalty, betrayal, and redemption, and it poses several vital questions about the nature of human behavior and the choices we make.

In conclusion, The Badlanders is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences today for its strong performances, thrilling action sequences, and intelligent storytelling. It's a must-see for any fan of the western genre and a reminder of the power of cinema to transport us to different times and places while exploring the universal themes that connect us all.

The Badlanders is a 1958 western with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.