Released - February, 1953 

Directed By - Anthony Mann

Starring - James Stewart (Howard Kemp), Janet Leigh (Lina Patch), Robert Ryan (Ben Vandergroat), Ralph Meeker (Roy Anderson).

Description – Bounty hunter Howard Kemp has been tracking Ben Vandergroat for a long time. Vandergroat is wanted for the murder of a marshall in Abilene.

During his pursuit, Kemp meets and enlists the aid of a couple of questionable characters; a grizzled old prospector named Tate and a dishonorably discharged Union soldier named Anderson. Both believe Kemp to be a sheriff and not a bounty hunter.

The three have come across and trap someone on the top of a hill in the Rocky Mountains. Kemp feels it must be Vandergroat. Sure enough, it is Ben Vandergroat and Lina Patch the daughter of one of Ben’s friends killed during a bank robbery.

After capturing Vandergroat, the prospector and disgraced soldier learn that Kemp is not a sheriff and is just looking for the $5,000 reward on Vandergroat’s head. The two agree to help Kemp claim the reward with an eye on the reward for themselves.

This will be no easy trip as Vandergroat begins to use greed to set the partners against one another as well as using the beautiful Lina to come between Kemp and Anderson. To make things even worse they come upon a group of BlackFeet warriors who, while usually friendly, are out of their area and seem to be looking for someone.

Throw in a brutal rainstorm, a cave in, an attempt to cross a raging river and you have one of the most exciting westerns ever made; possibly James Stewert’s best.

NOTABLE: In 1997, The Naked Spur was added to the National Film Registry.

The Naked Spur received one Academy Award nomination for Best Writing, Story and Screenplay.

Personal Note: One of the best Westerns ever made. A good script, solid acting, and beautifully shot in Technicolor on location in the Rocky Mountains, Colorado.

The Naked Spur

James Stewart – The Signature Collection (The Cheyenne Social Club / Firecreek / The FBI Story / The Naked Spur / The Spirit of St. Louis / The Stratton Story)

James Stewart – The Western Collection (Destry Rides Again / Winchester ?73 / Bend of the River / The Far Country / Night Passage / The Rare Breed)

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Released – June, 1952 

Directed By - George Sidney

Starring – Stewart Granger (Andre Moreau), Eleanor Parker (Lenore), Janet Leigh (Aline de Gavrillac de Bourbon), Mel Ferrer (Noel, Marquis de Maynes).

Description – Just before the start of the Frence Revolution, Queen Marie Antoinette enlists the aid of her cousin Noel, Marquis de Maynes in finding out the identity of “Marcus Brutus” who is accused of inciting the people against the aristocracy.

Strictly by chance, de Maynes finds Marcus Brutus and provokes him into a duel. de Maynes is an expert swordsman while Brutus is very inexperienced. After toying with him, de Maynes kills Brutus.

Marcus Brutus, whos real name is Philippe de Valmorin, is a friend of Andre Moreau who witnesses the killing and in anger attacks de Maynes. However, with no sword skill of his own, he is easily humiliated, but not killed by de Maynes.

Moreau vows vengence and swears to kill de Maynes in the same way his friend was killed.

NOTABLE: This colorful remake of a silent film has, what may be, the longest swordfight ever captured on film.

Elizabeth Taylor and Ava Gardner were originally considered for this film, but neither could due to other commitments.

Scaramouche

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Released – October, 1951 

Directed By - Clarence Brown

Starring – Paul Douglas (Aloysius X. ‘Guffy’ McGovern), Janet Leigh (Jennifer Paige), Keenan Wynn (Fred Bayles).

Description – In last place again the Pittsburgh Pirates abusive and foul-mouth manager Guffy McGovern is taking a beating in the press as well. It seems as though only some form of divine intervention can help a team this bad.

Well, guess what? There seems to be an ex-ballplaying angel who is willing to make a deal with the manager. If Guffy will change his habits of swearing and fighting, the angel just might be able to help. Just when it looked as though the Pirates feet were permanently rooted in last place cement the ‘spirits’ of past Pirate greats begin to help the team turn their fortunes around.

It was due to the prayers of orphan Pirate fan Bridgit White that prompted the angelic visit to Guffy and just might get the Pirates win the pennant.

Enjoy this little fantasy charmer with the whole family.

NOTABLE: Look for cameo’s by Bing Crosby (who just happened to own 15% of the Pirates at the time), along with Joe DiMaggio, Ty Cobb, and Ralph Kiner.

Angels in the Outfield

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