Watch The Left Handed Gun

The Left Handed Gun is a 1958 western movie directed by Arthur Penn and starring Paul Newman, Lita Milan, and John Dehner. The film is a fictional account of the notorious outlaw Billy the Kid. The movie opens with Billy the Kid (Paul Newman) in jail, awaiting trial. The sheriff and the townspeople want him hanged for his crimes, but Billy refuses to give up without a fight. The Kid is already a legendary figure in the West, known for his quick draw and lethal aim.

As the trial progresses, Billy's past is revealed through flashbacks. The Kid grew up in New York City, raised by English parents who died of tuberculosis. He was then taken in by a wealthy rancher, Tunstall (Colin Keith-Johnston), who gave him a job on his ranch. But things quickly turned violent when Tunstall was murdered by a rival rancher, Murphy (John Dehner). Billy then joined a group of Regulators who vowed to avenge Tunstall's death.

The Regulators are led by a man named McSween (James Best), who is also in love with Tunstall's lover, a Mexican girl named Celsa (Lita Milan). Billy falls in love with Celsa as well and the two begin a tumultuous romance.

The story takes a turn when the governor of New Mexico sends in a new sheriff, Pat Garrett (Walter Coy), to restore order to the territory. Garrett is an old friend of Billy's, but he is also determined to bring him to justice. Garrett offers Billy a chance to give himself up and stand trial, but Billy refuses.

As tensions rise between the Regulators and Murphy's men, Billy becomes increasingly erratic and unstable. He begins to question the morals of the Regulators and their quest for revenge. He also starts to doubt his own abilities as a gunman.

In the climactic finale, the Regulators engage in a bloody shoot-out with Murphy's men. Billy is wounded and left for dead, but he survives and is taken into custody by Garrett. The film ends with Billy in jail, contemplating his fate and his legacy as an outlaw.

The Left Handed Gun was one of Paul Newman's early breakthrough roles, and he delivers a powerful performance as the troubled antihero. The movie is notable for its gritty, realistic portrayal of the Old West, as well as its psychological exploration of an infamous figure. The film's themes of violence, morality, and identity continue to resonate with audiences today.

Overall, The Left Handed Gun is a thought-provoking and intense western movie that is worth watching for Paul Newman's performance alone. It offers a fresh perspective on one of the most legendary figures in American history, and is a must-see for fans of the genre.

The Left Handed Gun is a 1958 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.