Brimstone (1949) User Reviews (12)

Walter Brennan all the way

[krorie · 6/10 · 5 September 2006]

Basically, this Republic western from the late 1940's is Walter Brennan all the way with admirable support from two of his sons in the film, Jim Davis and Jack Lambert. The so-called star of the show, Rod Cameron, is only so-so and the rest of the cast mainly plod through their lines without much inspiration; this includes the likes of Forrest Tucker, Jack Holt, and "Big Boy" Williams, three screen stalwarts who usually did much better in the acting department.

Walter Brennan as the title character, Brimstone, reprises his Old Man Clanton role from "My Darling Clementine," which he parodied twenty years later (still an old man) in the magnificent "Support Your Local Sheriff!" Jack Lambert as the dullard son, Luke (reprised by Bruce Dern in "Support Your Local Sheriff!"), has one of the best lines in the film. Pop Brimstone uses the expression, "...Just as sure as the world is round." Surprised by his dad's revelation, Luke blurts out, "Round?" Later, Luke is still puzzled and tries to convince his dad otherwise. "I've been thinking, Pop. The world can't be round...cause if it was, the people down in China would be standing on their heads." Luke comments while distorting his face and body to indicate the predicament of those living on the bottom of the earth. Why Jack Lambert never received his just deserts for his acting talents remains a mystery.

The story is a bit lopsided and in places seems made-up as the film progresses. Generally, it's about the Courteen family of ranchers led by the old man who refuses to accept the end of the open range. He continues to fight a war against homesteaders, nesters, squatters, and the like by robbing stagecoaches of loot being transported for the interlopers. Suddenly, a mysterious stranger appears on the scene to begin robbing the robbers. The mysterious stranger teams up with the local sheriff to ferret out the real thieves. In the process he becomes involved in a split within the Courteen family concerning the youngest son, Bud (James Brown), in love with a nester, Molly Bannister (Adrian Booth). Bud finds himself in trouble with the law and with his own father. Unraveling the twisted plot is not easy but by the end of the show a satisfactory resolution takes place with a few surprises along the way.

Keeping with its reputation for delivering plenty of action, Republic makes sure there are fisticuffs and chases. The studio would possibly have been better off shooting "Brimstone" in black and white. The color leaves much to be desired with a few tinted black and white inserts. This may have been a bigger budget film for Republic, but cost cutting is still obvious with rear projections and backdrops clearly visible in several "outdoor" scenes. "Brimstone" is still a pleasing shoot-'em-up for fans of the genre.

Excellent Walter Brennan -- Otherwise Nothing Exciting

[alonzoiii-1 · 7/10 · 13 February 2006]

This is a Republic Studios shot at an A picture. The problem is that it is still Republic, after all. The film is in color, but it's "Trucolor", which is a two color process that makes the great outdoors look very odd. (The movie was clearly shot in the winter -- which makes the fact that the process really does not show green less of a liability. The blue shows up as a very cold blue) And when it is time for a big sweeping scene that's beyond this film's budget, the movie suddenly changes to black and white for a minute.

But the reason for watching is seeing Walter Brennan in full-bore villain mode. And he plays the character as that mean old evil reprobate we all know in our lives, and he is scary good at it. The character resembles his villain in "My Darling Clementine", but he has more film time to be just plain awful, and he makes the most of it. It is bravura acting, but it is not the least hammy or corny. The man won his Academy Awards for a reason.

Plot? Stranger with unclear motives takes on a corrupt town. No surprises on how this develops, though one thinks the Walter Brennan character in real life would have made prompt mincemeat of the stalwart hero, and purchased himself a few more local politicians.

Walter Brennan Steals the Show!!!

[zardoz-13 · 7/10 · 23 January 2016]

"Undersea Kingdom" Joseph Kane's "Brimstone" is an above-average, but formulaic western with plenty of a knock down, drag out fistfights, shootouts, and intrigue. Rod Cameron is cast as an undercover marshal after a gang of thieves. The movie draws its title from the cunning patriarchal 'Pop' Courteen that Walter Brennan plays who presides over a family of ruthless, no-account outlaws who have a legitimate cattle spread. Just to give you an idea how villainous Brennan is, his two eldest sons are played by seasoned heavies like Jack Lambert and Jim Davis. Mind you, this is a plum role for Lambert because he survives about three-fourths of the film before he bites the dust. After a number of unexplained robberies occur, Johnny Tremain shows up and Sheriff Henry McIntyre (Forrest Tucker) deputizes him despite his instincts that Tremaine may be the outlaw roaming the territory. The town elders have their eye on McIntyre because he cannot seem to round up the bandit and threaten to depose him if he doesn't solve the crimes and apprehend the criminals before Marshal Walter Greenslide (Jack Holt of "The Littlest Rebel") arrives. When the marshal shows up, he is promptly wounded during a stagecoach robbery in the middle of a stream by a hooded bandit. Fortunately, the lawman is merely winged and comes out of it wearing a sling. Meantime, Pop is up to no-good not only struggling to keep his sons in line, especially one (James Brown of "Red River") who wants to marry a settler, and stealing money holding up a bank.

"Brimstone" features an all-star cast. Cameron makes a stalwart hero, while Brennan steals the show as the treacherous father. Indeed, Brennan's performance here reminded me of his superb characterization as Ike Clanton in John Ford's classic oater "My Darling Clementine." One big twist occurs near the end that Kane and "Escape Me Never" scenarist Thames Williamson concoct and let simmer beneath the surface for the length of his vigorous western. Look for Will Wright as the fiery editor and publisher of a newspaper. Guinn 'Big Boy' Williams has a strong part as Sheriff McIntyre's deputy. My only complaint is some of the special effects, particularly the painted backdrops look might obvious. Prolific helmer Joseph Kane, who directed two John Wayne escapades entitled "Flame of the Barbary Coast" and "Dakota," keeps the action moving and never allows the pace to slacken in this nimble 90-minute frontier tale. This is one of those rare action-packed westerns where the hero doesn't have a love interest. Nevertheless, western fans will appreciate this rugged horse opera and the sturdy cast that highlights it.

One of My Favorite B Films

[larryblanks · 7 April 2004]

This is one of the B Western films that has everything, great stars, great plot, surprises, good guys, bad guys, etc.

Brennen does an excellent job as Brimstone, a grizley old man that is bad to the bone and expects his moron sons to be just as bad. The exception being James Brown.

Rod Cameron plays a great part but in my opinion, Guinn "Big Boy" Williams steals the show.

"Gracious, I always talk Spanish when I'm eatin', makes the food taste better"

Watch it, tape it and watch it again. You'll always find some hidden part or line that'll connect for you.

"Brimstone" is classic "B" Western with "A" list cast

[chuck-reilly · 7/10 · 14 March 2011]

Director Joseph Kane made a career out of filming "B" Westerns, usually with John Wayne as his lead actor. His 1949 classic "Brimstone" is probably one of his best works, although it and most of his other films are virtually forgotten now. Walter Brennan is the title character and fire and "Brimstone" are what he's all about. As several other reviewers have noted, Brennan mostly repeats his Ike Clanton portrayal from "My Darling Clementine" with a few extra doses of nastiness. He's on screen throughout the movie and carries it off like the true professional he was. Other notables in the cast include Lorna Gray, Jim Davis, James Brown (from the old "Rin Tin Tin" TV series) and Rod Cameron in the lead. He's the "good guy" but Brennan and Guinn "Big Boy" Williams steal the show effortlessly. Williams was in countless movies as Errol Flynn's sidekick alongside his partner Alan Hale Sr. Davis made a name for himself later on "Dallas" in the 1970s. As for Walter Brennan, he's the only man in history to win three Best Supporting Actor Oscars. He could play nice friendly grandfathers and switch over to psychopathic murderers without an acting class in between. For those who only remember Brennan from his days as old Amos McCoy on television, "Brimstone" will give them a much better appreciation of this man's talent and acting virtuosity. He could play one mean dude.

Brennan to the rescue!

[JohnHowardReid · 7/10 · 7 April 2018]

The makers of this film landed themselves in something of a quandary. When the film was all ready for release, someone in Republic's publicity department pointed out that the title meant nothing. There was not a single reference to brimstone, in any shape or allegorical form throughout the entire movie. A Foreword was hastily added in which the early settlers were commended for fighting Indians, drought - and outlaws like "Brimstone" Courteen. In the movie, however, the character is not called "Brimstone" but "Pop" Courteen, a title that masks a viciously vengeful rancher who, together with his three sons, is waging a secret war against the community in general, homesteaders in particular.

COMMENT: I don't know why Adrian Booth gets such prominent billing here. Her role is so small, you would expect to find her name well down the cast list. But then Jack Holt's part is so fleeting, he's hardly in the movie at all. Two players have the lion's share of the action: Number one, Rod Cameron, an indifferent performer, but rugged enough to acquit himself honorably in the action scenes (with the help of a stunt double, of course). Number two, Walter Brennan, who emerges as the real star of the film. Admittedly, you can't always rely on Brennan. True, he's given some engrossingly charismatic portraits in the past, but some directors seem to have been afraid of him and unable to keep him under control. But here in Brimstone, Brennan is not only perfectly cast, but perfectly controlled. It's a good meaty part, and though Walter plays it to the hilt, he doesn't overplay it, or project it on just the one monotonously menacing note. He shades the role well. He can temper open hostility and incredibly mean-spirited viciousness with sly cunning, subterfuge and even a seemingly transparent if rough yet rascally charm. Yes, Brennan has a great role. He plays it superbly.

Oddly, the next most impressive performance is handed out by Hal Taliaferro. A long-time western star, under the name Wally Wales, Taliaferro must have played hundreds of miniscule roles in the 1940s. His name often appears towards the bottom of cast lists, but it is usually very difficult to pick him out in the crowd. Here for once, he has a comparatively sizable role. Although he makes an extremely late entrance, he provides an extra ingredient in the climax, agreeably complicating the shoot-out and adding a few nice touches to the suspense.

Jack Lambert contributes his usual strong characterization as a surly but none-too-bright offspring, Guinn "Big Boy" Williams turns in a bit of slightly forced comic relief, while Forrest Tucker adequately holds down a none-too-large but unusual role as an opportunistic sheriff.

Production values are unusually good by Republic standards (even if they are helped out by some blue tinted stock and matching main footage in the introductory episode), with locations near Sacramento, a fair bit of action, and above all, as said, Walter Brennan's riveting performance.

Courteen Family Values

[bkoganbing · 7/10 · 28 December 2012]

Borrowing from his portrayal of Old Man Clanton in My Darling Clementine, Walter Brennan dominates this film as the mean and merciless head of an outlaw family. It seems that Brennan at one time was the local Ben Cartwright, but little by little the homesteaders and small ranches have nibbled him down to little by his standards. So he and his two outlaw sons Jim Davis and Jack Lambert have been plying the outlaw trade going after them with some cattle rustling and other forms of criminal enterprise.

The general outlaw situation has a lot of people mighty of suspicious of sheriff Forrest Tucker and deputy Guinn Williams. Federal Marshal Jack Holt arrives on the scene, but he's wounded in a stagecoach holdup and not able to do too much.

Into all this mix is a mysterious loner played by Rod Cameron who looks like he's trying to cut himself in on everybody's action, Brennan's and Tucker's. When you're not watching Brennan, Cameron's the one that should be paid attention.

Brennan had a very bad time with John Ford when he made My Darling Clementine, but Ford got a great performance from him. I think Brennan channeled a lot of that into his role here of Brimstone Courteen.

This is a great action western from Republic with quite a bit more plot to it than the usual Republic product for the Saturday afternoon kid market. And you'll not forget Walter Brennan in the title role.

They believe that outsiders are trouble, but what about the insiders?

[mark.waltz · 7/10 · 6 October 2023]

Basically a parable about the lack of hospitality and fear over losing what they believe without legal means is actually theirs. This is one of the better TruColor films of the late 40's, a briefly used cinematography that made everything look like pastel rather than the vivid Technicolor popularly used for the big studio period musicals and select other westerns and epics. It's dominated completely by Walter Brennan in a sensational leading performance as the embittered patriarch who refuses to peacefully allow new settlers in the area he believes to be his.

He has three sons, with one of the sons greatly upsetting him by falling for one of the pretty newcomers (Lorna Gray). Brennan and sons have created much fear by violently robbing the stagecoaches going through, which brings United States marshal Rod Cameron to the area to restore law and order. There's a very funny cameo by portly character actress Jody Gilbert who actually flirts with the stagecoach robbers and is aghast when Brennan insults her. Definitely an A by Republic studios, and gets a B+ from me.

The archetype for the classical Western

[volker-9 · 10/10 · 16 March 2000]

*Stagecoach* used to be my favorite Western, but *Brimstone* may supplant it. Brimstone has no intellectual pretensions, but it's a perfect distillation of all cowboy movies. Every line is a great cliche.

Walter Brennan makes a great antagonist in Brimstone

[tavm · 8/10 · 20 June 2012]

In continuing to review movies and TV appearances of the original "Dallas" cast in chronological order, we're once again in 1949 with Jim Davis once again playing an antagonist in Brimstone having previously been in Hellfire early in the year. He's one of the sons of Walter Brennan who's long resented all the settlers that have-what he believes-invaded his land and has no qualms about robbing and killing to get what he wants. Rod Cameron plays someone who aims to stop Brennan and his family. Forrest Tucker, also from Hellfire, once again plays a lawman but you might be surprised about his motivations. I'll stop there and just say that Davis has his most exciting scenes that I've seen him in during his younger days in this movie especially concerning his fate here. And I also like the way some characters turn loyalties on a dime. And how about when Brennan's other son, Jack Lambert, asks how the world can be round since if it was so, "...the people down in China would be standing on their heads!" Oh, one more thing: James Brown, the youngest son, would also appear in the later seasons of "Dallas" as Harry McSween. So on that note, I highly recommend Brimstone.

Western family conflicts

[jarrodmcdonald-1 · 3 October 2015]

This satisfying western from the folks at Republic Pictures hinges on Walter Brennan's central performance. He plays the title character, old Brimstone Courteen, known affectionately as Pop. Well, okay, that's a lie, because very few people regard him with any real affection...they live mostly in fear of him.

Brennan is third-billed, but it's a star turn. In all respects this is a continuation of his bad father role in MY DARLING CLEMENTINE (where he played the dangerous Clanton patriarch).

Pop has three sons (Jim Davis, Jack Lambert & James Brown)...grown boys that he physically and verbally abuses. He draws them into rustling schemes and stagecoach robberies as if these criminal acts are rites of passage. He justifies each crime by claiming he's lost land to settlers who are trying to crowd him off the range. The way he sees it, these squatters owe him.

There's an additional thorn in Pop's side that occurs when youngest son Bud (Brown) refuses to stick to the game plan. Bud chooses to follow his heart and marry the daughter of a neighboring homesteader.

Pop doesn't approve of Molly (lovely Adrian Booth). When he learns the couple have eloped, his response is to go after Bud and kill him! Yeah, he's not going to win any Father of the Year award.

The over-arching story gives us an epic western with plenty of family conflicts, shoot-'em-up action and shocking betrayals. There are also subplots that involve a marshal (Jack Holt) who is shot in the line of duty, a crooked sheriff (Forest Tucker) mixed up in the Courteens' misdeeds; plus an undercover federal agent (Rod Cameron who receives top billing) with a scheme of his own to bring down Pop and the boys.

Much of the drama takes place outdoors in glorious Trucolor, Republic's answer to Technicolor. Where the viewer can glimpse stretches of clear blue sky with considerable clarity; dark red rocks; bright green foliage; and miles of dusty brown earth that seem like something you would actually find across a western landscape.

The riding scenes and chase scenes are nicely presented by director Joe Kane, who helmed many westerns at the studio. He has a good feel for the individual horseman against outdoor elements. But it's the unfolding family drama that most holds our attention.

There isn't one moment of wasted screen time. And despite the epic scope of the story, Mr. Kane finds time for a few John Ford-like moments of introspection and humor. The funniest scene involves a saloon owner's gorgeous new chandelier.

The moral here is that parents are ultimately responsible for what they say and do, including all the mistakes they make with their children. In this film, the mistakes lead up to and include murder. A second lesson is that grown children have the ability to make their own way in the world. They can choose to break the cycles of abuse and violence.

Kids Matinée Western

[GManfred · 6 March 2013]

This one would have gone over well with the under 12 crowd, many years ago. For you young folk, once upon a time movie theaters had matinees for kids every Saturday morning. Starting times varied - ours started at 10:00 am, and consisted of some cartoons, a serial, maybe a comedy short, and then a (fair-to-middling) western feature film. "Brimstone" would have filled the bill for one of these, and if I were 11 I would have rated it higher.

"Brimstone" is a typical two-dimensional western devoid of rational thought and motivation, the type produced by the carload by Poverty Row studios in the 40's. It has lots of action, with fistfights and shoot-outs and hombres talking tough. This one has stalwart Rod Cameron as a US Marshal trying to apprehend some stage robbers, in fact a family of them. The family is headed by Walter Brennan in iron-fisted fashion as a cantankerous old rancher, and he makes the most out of his chance to carry a movie. He is like Moe and his sons like the other Stooges, aided by some unintentionally funny dialogue and knockabout comedy, as the British would say. (Of course,this is supposed to be deadly serious stuff).

There are the usual plot dead ends and unresolved loose ends which I always find annoying, but at the age of 11, who would notice? There is enough action to fire up the young audience, and cause the matron to descend on us and order all concerned to be quiet, flashlight in hand.