The 1968 western "Firecreek" reminded me of "Bad Day at Black Rock" (from 1955), not least for having Dean Jagger regretting at great length his weakness in both. There is also a small, dusty town unwilling to confront bullies, though the bullies ride into Firecreek in contrast to those who are permanent residents of Black Rock. In confronting killers from outside (and in another way that is only obvious at the end), "High Noon" is an obvious influence, and James Stewart hoping to avoid trouble, but implacable once he finally takes on fighting reprises much of what he did in westerns directed by Anthony Mann during the 1950s. The Mann movies are less talky, build faster, and have more striking scenery, but "Firecreek" has a formidable cast (including four Academy Award winners).

In addition to Stewart, there is another icon, Henry Fonda playing the leader of a gang of psychotic killers (Gary Lockwood is particularly menacing). Fonda is not as ruthless as he was in "Once Upon a Time in the West," which was also released in 1968. He is tired, and wounded. Like Stewart, he wants to avoid unnecessary trouble. Fonda finds Inger Stevens interesting to talk to, though she says little and expresses less. There is much other talk, including a lengthy speech by Dean Jagger and a sort of chant by Stewart when he returns to town from his farm.

The farmer and part-time sheriff (Stewart, then aged 60) has such young children (including another on the way) that paternal responsibilities weigh heavily on him. Also, none will be old enough to help him when he finally shifts into action gear after trying to mind his own business fails.

The location doesn't look like anywhere near the Oregon trail (and didn't Stewart already reach Oregon in Mann's "Bend of the River"?). According to IMDB it was filmed near Sedona, Arizona, though no red rock is in view.

Although it's too talky, overburdened with side-plots, and very slow starting, the actors are very good (excepting Jagger, but including a glowering circuit-riding preacher played by Ed Begley and, especially, Louise Latham as a midwife with no patience for fathers hanging about). Still, "Firecreek" offers no competition for the accolade "best western" of 1968 (that was "Once Upon a Time in the West").

("The Cheyenne Social Club" in which Stewart and Fonda are friends (or at least companions), made two years later, is less predictable (and quite funny). Some other offbeat westerns starring Henry Fonda to consider include Warlock and There Was a Crooked Man.)

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For other Lean & Mean III entries, see /http://www.epinions.com/content_4149256324.



Recommended:
Yes