Watch The Naked Dawn

The Naked Dawn is a classic Western movie from 1955 that follows the story of Santiago, played by Arthur Kennedy, and his friend, Estaban, played by Eugene Iglesias. The film is directed by Edgar G. Ulmer, known for his iconic work in the horror genre, and the screenplay is written by George Zuckerman. The story takes place in Mexico, where Santiago and Estaban work as laborers on a farm. The farm is run by a wealthy landowner named Vicente, played by Carlos Múzquiz, who is notorious for mistreating his workers. Santiago is particularly unhappy with the way Vicente treats him and his fellow workers, especially after he discovers that his wife, Dolores, played by Betta St. John, is having an affair with Vicente.

Despite being warned to stay away from Dolores, Santiago cannot resist her and the two begin an illicit affair. However, their happiness is short-lived when Vicente discovers their romance and becomes consumed with jealousy.

As the tension between the three characters grows, Santiago and Estaban are forced to flee for their lives. In the midst of their escape, they discover that the authorities are after them, accused of a crime they did not commit. With nowhere else to turn, they seek refuge with a band of rebels who are fighting against the government.

The rebels, led by a charismatic leader named Francisco, played by Charles Bronson, take Santiago and Estaban under their wing and teach them the ways of rebellion. As they become more involved in the revolution, Santiago and Estaban discover that they have found a new family among the rebels, who are fighting for a cause they believe in.

The Naked Dawn is a classic tale of love, jealousy, and rebellion set against the backdrop of the stunning Mexican landscape. Arthur Kennedy delivers a standout performance as Santiago, a man torn between his love for Dolores and his loyalty to his friend Estaban. Betta St. John is captivating as Dolores, the woman caught between two men and struggling to find her own identity. Eugene Iglesias is a solid supporting player, bringing humor and heart to the role of Estaban.

Edgar G. Ulmer's direction is masterful, capturing the beauty and brutality of the Mexican landscape and creating a tense, atmospheric film. The screenplay by George Zuckerman is sharp and compelling, keeping the audience engaged from start to finish.

Overall, The Naked Dawn is a thrilling, thought-provoking Western that deserves a place among the classics of the genre. With its themes of love, loyalty, and revolution, it remains a relevant and resonant film today, over six decades after its initial release.

The Naked Dawn is a 1955 western with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.