The Fastest Gun Alive (1956) User Reviews (70)

Crisis in Cross Creek.

[hitchcockthelegend · 8/10 · 5 May 2011]

The Fastest Gun Alive is directed by Russell Rouse and is adapted by Rouse and Frank D. Gilroy from a Gilroy story titled The Last Notch. It stars Glenn Ford, Jeanne Crain, Broderick Crawford, Russ Tamblyn, Allyn Joslyn, Leif Erickson, John Dehner and Noah Beery Junior. A black and white production out of MGM, it's photographed by George J. Folsey and features music by André Previn.

The town of Cross Creek is home to a very mild man named George Temple (Ford), there he runs the local store and lives in peaceful harmony with his wife Dora (Crain). Then one day the town hears news of how outlaw Vinnie Harold (Crawford) has gunned down Clint Fallon, the once thought of fastest gunman alive. It's not long before the talk of other fast guns dominates discussion, with George becoming increasingly agitated at how the town people view him as meek and mild. With his pride hurt, George sets about dispelling some myths about fast gunmen and his own current persona. With that comes trouble, big trouble for everyone in Cross Creek when Vinnie Harold rolls into town.

By the time of The Fastest Gun Alive's release, the psychological Western was in full flow. Anthony Mann had blazed the trail with his genre defining run of Western's that he made with James Stewart, the last of which would be in 1955 with The Man From Laramie. From there the torch would be picked up with some aplomb by the pairing of Budd Boetticher and Randolph Scott, who began with Seven Men From Now in this same year as The Fastest Gun Alive. Away from those genre legends, many directors were turning their hands to more adult/serious Western's, some successful, some not so and some which have been forgotten, rightly or wrongly, for various reasons, when the subject of psychological Western's arises. Probably on account of it's lower tier director, The Fastest Gun Alive is the latter.

The title actually doesn't help the film, it immediately conjures up images of a man creating death with his whippy pistols. Suffice to say it isn't that sort of film, and those that have previously been lured in by the title, have no doubt felt a little short changed. Rouse's movie is more concerned with mood and the psychology of the principal players in Gilroy's story. Both Ford and Crawford's characters are driven by motives, that although different, inevitably means a collision is unavoidable. But the story isn't just about these two men, it takes time to involve loved ones and the people of the town, all are involved and as it turns out, all are key elements as to why the film is a character driven little gem. While what action there is is competently handled by the director, notably the finale that also comes with an unbearable precursor of tension.

What problems there are in the picture are thankfully only minor. Crawford is just a touch too much one note, but such is his hulking frame he looks the part of a brutish bully and he gets away with it. Tamblyn is seriously out of place, almost as much as his dance number is! It's skillful and delightful: if only it were in the right movie. For it shifts the tone of the film downwards and you have to wonder who made the ridiculous decision to include it in the film. But away from those issues it's all good. Crain looks stunning and plays emotive worry with ease, while Dehner does a nice line in shifty side-kick. But it's Ford who takes the honours, either playing it as a tortured soul who's emotionally conflicted, or as a man who is genuinely scared, Ford convinces and draws the audience into the unfolding drama.

Forget any notion of a stereotype suggested by the film's title and enjoy the atypical way in which the movie deals with its characters. This is a good un, very much so. 8/10

A surprise smash...

[Nazi_Fighter_David · 8/10 · 25 March 2005]

In a Western, the ultimate confrontation between the forces of good and evil is the showdown… It is the classic ending, and as such, the point towards which the whole film has been moving; the moment of truth when the good guy faces the black guy in the dust of the main street… It is, of course, a cinema cliché…Tension mounts as the two protagonists walk slowly towards their duel, a clash that is inevitable and from which only one will walk away…

In "The Fastest Gun Alive," an aggressive, belligerent bandit Vinnie Harold (Broderick Crawford) refuses to be taking as "second best," and a peaceful shopkeeper (Glenn Ford) claims to be 'faster than Wyatt Earp, faster than Billy the Kid, faster than Fallon, and faster than the man who killed him.'

That's the cliché, and it comes in with such high expectation as director Russel Rouse builds the climax with great degree of intensity, and higher degree of excitement... A few words are exchanged, when a loud voice is heard from a stocky figure: 'You the one who shot the silver dollars?' 'Yes,' replies a fairly silent man. 'By what name are you called,'? asks a determined killer. 'Kelby. George Kelby.' And suddenly the two men draw... Both fired simultaneously at the same instant...

The clash is a heightened moment of suspense that is as exciting as anything the cinema has ever produced...

Based upon a story called "The Last Notch" by Frank D. Gilroy, this minor budget Western turned out to be a surprise smash... Russ Tamblyn delivers a great "solo" dancing number just to reduce the tension...

Amusingly cast, first-rate western...

[moonspinner55 · 7/10 · 25 August 2007]

In the small western town of Cross Creek, shy, antisocial shopkeeper Glenn Ford is hiding a secret past. Selling dresses and candy all day proves to be a bore, which leads Ford to some showing off in front of the saloon with gun feats that amaze the locals; unfortunately for Ford, lightning-fast gunslinger and bank robber Broderick Crawford (!) is just outside of town and soon learns of Ford's prowess. Quick, compact western is marvelously well-done, with beautiful cinematography by George Folsey and a tight script (by Frank D. Gilroy, based on his short story, and director Russell Rouse) underlined with a touch of sardonic humor. Crawford, looking like Fred Flintstone in a cowboy hat, is raffish and wily as the brutish villain, though fast-on-the-draw seems a bit of a stretch. Still, the movie is written in such a way that we don't want to quibble, and Ford's unhappy nervousness is something we can relate to (he has some charming moments as well, such as when he compliments wife Jeanne Crain on her earrings). Russ Tamblyn has a lively dancing sequence where he struts his stuff on shovels, and the finale--while probably not realistic--is certainly a crowd-pleaser. *** from ****

Faster Than a Mug of Beer

[disinterested_spectator · 7/10 · 22 November 2014]

In a movie made previously, "The Gunfighter" (1950), the point is made that having a reputation as a gunslinger is a curse, because there is always some punk who wants to prove he is faster. This is the premise of "The Fastest Gun Alive." Through most of the movie, we believe that George is trying to give up his gunslinging ways because his wife Dora has insisted on it, and therefore he is pretending to be just an ordinary citizen. When his need for respect leads him to show off his skills with a gun, word gets out, and Vinnie, another gunslinger, comes looking for him. The townsfolk plead with Dora to release George from his promise to her, so he can kill Vinnie, who is terrorizing the town. That is when we find out that she does not care if George kills Vinnie or anyone else with his gun. The problem is that George is a coward who has never been in a gunfight, and she is simply tired of running from town to town whenever George starts showing off and word gets out that he is fast on the draw. This is such a reversal from the usual story of the gunfighter with a guilty past who wants to hang up his guns that most people forget about this twist ending when they think about the movie years later.

Interesting and Enjoyable Western

[ragosaal · 7/10 · 5 October 2006]

"The Fastest Gun Alive" is not one of those that come easily to your mind when you think about westerns. No one could say this a classic or even a great movie in the genre.

However, if you analyze this film you can't find major flaws or weaknesses in it. In fact, "The Fast Gun Alive" has an original plot with more than one real good moments, an acceptable direction and development, interesting characters, a very good casting and a tense surprising and much original ending.

Glenn Ford is most convincing as the man of the title that has to face a dangerous situation that his own search for respect and insecurity brings against him. Broderick Crawford renders a real good performance as the gunfighter who has to constantly prove to himself that he is the best and second to no one. Jeanne Crain plays Ford's wife, the woman that suffers because of his husband's insatisfactions with his life. Noah Beery, Jr. and John Dennher credit the supporting cast as Crawford's sidekicks.

I have to say I found this film interesting and enjoyable; most recommendable for western fans.

Great Glen Ford Classic

[whpratt1 · 7/10 · 4 September 2007]

Enjoyed this film mainly because I like Broderick Crawford, (Vinnie Harold) who was too old and too fat to be the fastest gun in this film and a great young star Glenn Ford, (George Temple) who had dark deep secrets to hid in the small town of Cross Creek. George Temple was married to Dora Temple, (Jeanne Crain) who had to suffer with her husband's past and they finally decided to locate in a new town to live in and they were store owners. However, George had a real bad habit of loving guns and also being an expert sharp shooter. Vinnie Harold went from town to town looking for the fastest gun and killed everyone that he came across who thought he could out draw him in a good old Western duel in the street of some town. Jeanne Crain gave a great supporting role and looked very young and pretty along with a very handsome looking Glenn Ford. This is a good classic 1956 black and white film, but is very entertaining.

Pitch Perfect, Subtle, Technically Accurate, 1 of A Kind****

[A_Different_Drummer · 9/10 · 11 November 2013]

I love good movies, who doesn't, but I especially love movies that are one-of-a-kind, that break the mold, that don't quite fit the mold, constantly surprise the viewer, and ultimately deliver the goods. One of the most watchable westerns ever. Glen Ford is what could be one of his best roles, subtle, anxious, looking to do the right thing, never pushing. And Jeanne Crain doing what she does best, spurring on her man. (Opps, not trying to be sexist BUT THE ROLE WAS WRITTEN THAT WAY). And -- who knew? -- after literally 100's of Hollywood westerns have passed over the creative bridge, THIS IS THE FIRST TO POINT OUT that being "fast" takes ... Duh .. practice? Superb story -- quiet storekeeper is, in fact, a closet gunslinger who practices each and every day of his life ... as long as he can get away from the little woman, of course. All is fine is until one day the town bully pushes the little guy a bit too far, and he snaps and teaches the bully a lesson. And in the process does a gun trick that only a handful of men alive could do. And a little boy sees this ... and remembers. That's all the spoiler you get, but this one is a keeper.

They've got to know who I am

[utgard14 · 7/10 · 1 January 2014]

Glenn Ford plays a storekeeper whose friends and neighbors think of him as a wimp. Finally he has enough and decides to show them how good he is with a gun, which doesn't make wife Jeanne Crain too happy. Then gunslinger Broderick Crawford comes to town. He's obsessed with being the fastest gun alive. I know what you're thinking. You're thinking nobody says anything to Crawford about Ford's ability with a gun, he leaves town without incident, and the movie ends abruptly. Well, you're wrong.

This is a very good western that has what I feel to be Glenn Ford's finest acting work. His agitated and conflicted performance is unlike anything he had done up to that point. Crawford is a mixed bag here. His acting is spot-on but he seems physically wrong for the part. An overweight 45 year-old is hardly the image that springs to mind when one thinks of a headstrong gunslinger that needs badly to prove he's the best. Perhaps someone younger and leaner would have been better. John Dehner, who played one of Crawford's cohorts, would have probably been a better fit. Still, despite my problems with his casting, Crawford gives his all and does well. Jeanne Crain does fine also. Russ Tamblyn has a somewhat out of place dance number but it's still enjoyable to watch. Overall, it's a solid western. Not at the top of my list of favorites but a good one nonetheless. Ford's bravura performance alone would be worth recommending it.

Different but very good western

[Schryer · 8/10 · 17 November 1998]

To his friends and neighbors George Temple (Glenn Ford) is a mild-mannered store keeper. But, unknown to all but his wife, George is obsessed with guns because in his youth he lacked the courage to go up against his lawman father's killer. Through years of secret practice George has become the fastest draw in the west, but he is still afraid of drawing against a man. When a ruthless gunman (Broderick Crawford) comes to town and threatens to burn it down Temple is forced to overcome his fears and try to stop him. This finely-crafted western deserves more recognition than it has received. If you like westerns, try to catch this one.

Tense western with the good surviving over evil theme

[moviestosee · 5 January 2002]

Broderick Crawford is great as the criminal leader with a psychopathic ego who must continually show that he is the fastest gun around and Glenn Ford is super as the introverted shy storekeeper with a lightning fast draw. Supporting cast adds good depth and character. The blind man near the start of the movie who states that "no matter how fast you are there's always somebody faster" foretells the moral of the story. Highly recommend that this movie be seen by all fans of westerns.

Above average Western

[vincentlynch-moonoi · 7/10 · 9 July 2013]

There was a time when Westerns pretty much ruled the movie screens. And many (perhaps even most) were pretty forgettable. There were occasional great Westerns (e.g., "Rio Bravo"), and others that were at least significantly above average. This is one that is quite above average.

I have to get one gripe off my shoulders first, though. Russ Tamblyn. Fine performer particularly remembered for "West Side Story". But even at a barn dance, his dancing here was really out of place...despite being very good. Whose bright idea was this??? As I was watching this film, it occurred to me that it is almost the reverse of "High Noon". Here, Glenn Ford is reluctantly forced into a confrontation by a gun fighter who always seeks out those faster that he. And where are the people who are pushing our hero into a confrontation? In a church.

Except for a gunfight at the beginning of the film, and the one climaxing the film, this is more a psychological Western. Why is Glenn Ford so gun shy when he's clearly the fasted gun alive? The cast here really is very good. Glenn Ford was a dependable leading man. Perhaps just under the level of actors like Cary Grant and Clark Gable. But he rarely let us down in any role, and he certainly didn't here. He carries the film and is why it's better than the average 1950s Western. Jeanne Crain is always a pleasure to watch, and she balances the need to be a forceful wife who will not tolerate her husband's addiction to guns, without being an unreasonable nag. Broderick Crawford is the primary villain here...the role he was best at. This film followed on the heels of his success in the syndicated television series "Highway Patrol". As a couple of our reviewers pointed out, he seems a bit chubby to be so fast on the draw, but he knows how to be menacing. As mentioned earlier, Russ Tamblyn is fine here, but totally out of place in the plot. Allyn Joslyn (whom I usually remember as one of the bad angels in "The Horn Blows At Midnight") is the loud mouth here, and is quite good at it. John Dehner is fine as another of the bad guy trio. I was a little sad to see one of my favorite character actors as the third bad guy, and he was rather wasted here -- Noah Beery, Jr.

If you've become wary of Westerns, as I have, I recommend this one to you. It's clearly above average and has a good story with more drama than the typical shoot-em-up cowboy flick.

Strong characters and script in solid Western

[adrianovasconcelos · 8/10 · 7 September 2020]

Directed with poise and aplomb by Russell Rouse (an illustrious unknown to me), with very good B&W photography, and terrific performances by Glenn Ford, Broderick Crawford and John Dehner, what I particularly like about this movie is its script (apart from a dancing number featuring Russ Tamblyn that has no connection whatsoever with anything else in the film).

THE FASTEST GUN ALIVE is built upon an unusual premise: Crawford wants at all costs to be the fastest gun alive, but Ford knows he is it - even though he has not killed a man yet.

The sequence in the church where people initially do not want Ford to go out and meet Crawford because they value his life, then want him to do it because Crawford orders the town's shops doused with kerosene, comes across as remarkably human and true.

There are sound moral values to this film, excellent cinematography, and believable characters. 8/10

Pretty good Western with usual ingredients : bank robberies , fast draw , street shootout and surprise ending

[ma-cortes · 7/10 · 20 August 2013]

Stand-out Western marvelously performed by an all-star-cast and stunningly directed . Whenever it becomes known how good he is with guns, ex-gunfighter George (Glenn Ford) and his wife Dora (Jeanne Crain) must flee the Cross Creek little town in fear of all the gunslingers who might want to challenge him , but villagers swear to hide his secret and support him . Some bandits (Broderick Crawford, John Dehner , Noah Beery Jr.) pass through and decide to spend that day . Citizens ask the unexperienced storekeeper to rid the little town of bandits when a vicious gang of freebooters arrives in town . George carries out protecting people who ran like rabbits when the going got roguish . He has to take a stand when a gang of nasty outlaws takes over his town . Meanwhile , the outlaws are pursued by a motley posse . What happens in the next few minutes makes one of the most dramatic climaxes of any story you've ever seen! .

This excellent , meaty Western contains interesting plot , intrigue , thrills , shootouts and results to be quite entertaining . Outstanding Western balances action , suspense and drama . It's a classical recounting about an unexperienced shopkeeper , general merchandise's owner , a peace-loving who is really an expert shooter and surrounded by cowards and frightening people ; being probably one of the best Western in the fifties and sixties . The highlights of the film are the climatic showdowns , the twisted surprise at church and , of course, the final gundown . The traditional story and exciting screenplay was well written by Frank D. Gilroy though clichés run through-out , the enjoyable tale is enhanced for interesting moments developed among main characters and especially on the relationship between Glenn Ford and his wife Jeanne Crain . Magnificently performed by Glenn Ford and Broderick Crawford , they are awesome experts in the art of conjuring sensational acting , here are reunited in this atypical but thought-provoking western with a lot of reflection , distinguished moments and dramatical attitudes , in addition a multitude of entertaining situations . Top-notch plethora of secondary actors playing vicious, sadistic sociopaths who take advantage of the frightened townspeople such as Broderick Crawford , John Dhener, Noah Beery as well as villagers perfectly performed by Rhys Williams as Tibbs , Virginia Gregg as Rose , Chubby Johnson as Frank , John Doucette as Ben , Leif Erickson as as Lou and special appearance by Russ Tamblyn as Eric playing a spectacular as well as amusing dance number . Atmospheric cinematography in Black and White is superbly caught by cameraman cameraman George Folsey , though being necessary a correct remastering . Thrilling as well as lively musical score by Andre Previn .

This is another superbly powerful Western being compellingly directed by Russell Rouse . He was an expert screenwriter as the classic D.O.A. filmmaking occasionally for cinema all kind of genres as Caper films such as ¨The Caper of the Golden Bulls¨, Dramas as ¨The Oscar¨, Noir cinema such as ¨Wicked Woman¨, ¨New York Confidential¨ , ¨The Well¨ , ¨The thief¨ and another Western titled ¨Thunder in the sun¨. Well worth watching and it will appeal to Glenn Ford fans .

Dancing is good

[den_quixote · 4/10 · 6 May 2017]

It isn't many westerns where the high point of the movie is the dancing but Russ Tamblyn put on an excellent exhibition of dancing, tumbling and acrobatics. Unfortunately the rest of the movie was way below par and even Jeanne Crain's beauty can not distract you from the utter nonsense going on all around her. Glenn Ford is once again the stoic hero shrouded in mystery and Crain is his steadfast wife. Broderick Crawford is woefully miscast as the crazed outlaw determined to best any man ever described in his presence as the fastest gun in the West. Watch it just to see if it would have been more interesting if you had written it yourself. I'm betting on you.

Enjoyable little Western.

[Boba_Fett1138 · 6/10 · 20 January 2007]

Nothing too fancy, just an enjoyable little black & white Western, that doesn't really ever impresses but delivers some good entertainment nevertheless.

The story, as the whole movie, is kept rather simple and small. I think this movie is what you can call a light-Western. Not a lot of action, not a lot of tough characters and other genre clichés present in this movie.

Glenn Ford was good enough in his role, although he perhaps played his character a bit too depressed. It doesn't always make the main character enjoyable but thank goodness that the movie is filled with some other good and enjoyable characters. Broderick Crawford was in my opinion miscast. I mean, an aging, balding, fat gunman? I had a hard time taking him serious as one of the fastest gunman in the west, even though his acting was good.

Due to the movie its simplistic story, nothing too notable ever occurs in the movie (or you have to count in the unexpected dance number, that really doesn't serve any purpose but is enjoyable nevertheless) and the movie for most part also stays rather predictable, with also a predictable 'surprise' ending.

An enjoyable little, simple Western that is worth a watch, if you have nothing else to do-, or better to watch.

6/10

http://bobafett1138.blogspot.com/

A Belt and a Notch for Glenn Ford

[wes-connors · 7/10 · 14 January 2011]

Folks in the western town of "Cross Creek" think gentle storekeeper Glenn Ford (as George Temple) is a gun-shy teetotaler. When they drink and tell stories about gunmen who shoot fast from the hip, Mr. Ford becomes disturbed. Beautiful pregnant wife Jeanne Crain (as Dora) tries to comfort her man, but Ford is unable to conceal his secret; he gets drunk and tells a saloon full of men he's "The Fastest Gun Alive". Meanwhile, nasty gunslinger Broderick Crawford (as Vinnie Harold) is busy building his reputation as the area's quickest draw. When Mr. Crawford learns a fast gunslinger is in the area, he wants a duel...

This is a surprisingly thoughtful western parable, which director Russell Rouse and writer Frank D. Gilroy bring effectively to the motion picture screen. There is a rushed, low-budget quality to some of the story. But, many in the supporting cast make it look almost natural. Ford proves himself to be an excellent leading man; this was one of several films which propelled him into the annual "Top Ten Money-Making Stars" list prepared by Quigley Publications. A completely out-of-place and literally "off the wall" dance sequence by Russ Tamblyn (as Eric) is an early highlight; why wasn't this in "That's Entertainment"?

******* The Fastest Gun Alive (7/6/56) Russell Rouse ~ Glenn Ford, Jeanne Crain, Broderick Crawford, Russ Tamblyn

The Fastest Gun Alive review

[JoeytheBrit · 7/10 · 14 May 2020]

Glenn Ford gives one of the best performances of his career as George Temple, a quiet, softly-spoken man who is hiding a secret that is slowly tearing him - and his marriage - apart. The screenplay, co-written by Frank Gilroy and director Russell Rouse, tends to spoon feed the audience it's psychology, but it also unfolds in measured doses that slowly ratchet up the tension to good effect. A musical number by Russ Tamblyn is a major misstep which is there for no other reason than to provide a new young talent with some exposure. It certainly adds nothing to the plot.

an excellent western

[planktonrules · 8/10 · 9 June 2005]

I am not a fan of Westerns in general. Many have the old predictable clichéd plots and are amazingly dull to me. That's why when I find a really unusual and well-made Western, I try to mention it on IMDb. Although this is not my favorite one (that would go to The Big Country), it is one of the better ones I've seen. So, what makes it so watchable? First, this is no macho shoot 'em up picture--there are lots of quiet moments as well. Secondly, the movie isn't easy to predict and the ending is AMAZING. Third, you can tell that the writers really tried hard to do something DIFFERENT.

By the way, if you like this movie about a fast gunslinger, I also highly recommend The Gunfighter (with Gregory Peck). They have a lot of similarities but are different enough that I recommend you see both.

Nice variation on a theme

[seveb-25179 · 7/10 · 5 October 2018]

Glenn Ford in one of those westerns that examines the consequences of desiring and having a "reputation". The perspective is original and the film succeeds in being thoughtful and a bit different. I like Ford in these sort of westerns, where he plays the "misunderstood or underestimated man". Broderick Crawford is always worth watching as a villain, although he's eaten all the pies by this stage, John Dehner and Noah Beery providing quality back up, as his sidekicks, Jean Craine is more saintly and beautiful than most ans Leif Ericksson (Big John Cannon from The High Chaparral) is on hand to lead the fearful townsfolk. The only anomaly is Russ Tamblyn, who plays no significant role in the actual story, but is on hand to provide a completely superfluous "Seven Brides For Seven Brothers" style dance number which seems comletely out of place, I guess he always wanted to do a serious Western and was a friend of the director or producers?

Collision Course

[bkoganbing · 8/10 · 25 November 2014]

Glenn Ford and Broderick Crawford had already co-starred in Convicted and Human Desire. For their third and final pairing in The Fastest Gun Alive, MGM gave them a whole flock of familiar character faces in support who are too numerous to mention. The two play a pair of men of whom destiny put on a collision course.

Broderick Crawford is a swaggering psychotic gunfighter who kills frequently to preserve his reputation as The Fastest Gun Alive. As the film opens he picks a fight with another fast gun, Walter Coy, and outdraws him with lightning speed. A later bank robbery by Crawford and his two sidekicks Noah Beery, Jr., and John Dehner puts a posse on their trail. To get fresh horses they stop off in a small town that doesn't even have a sheriff. It's also where Glenn Ford and wife Jeanne Crain operate the general store.

Unknown to everyone else the mild mannered Ford is also a fast gun, taught by his father who was a legendary sheriff. But Ford is a man with issues, different than Crawford's, but the issues that both these men have are what drives this film to a conclusion. When Crawford hears about Ford being a fast gun he feels compelled to see if it is true.

Glenn Ford did a series of excellent westerns in the Fifties and his career was heading toward its apex. He and Crawford are just wonderful in their contrasting characters. The editing in The Fastest Gun Alive is particularly noteworthy, especially in a church scene similar to the one in High Noon where all those familiar movie faces get to etch some good characterizations with only a few lines.

The Fastest Gun Alive is an absolute must for Glenn Ford and Broderick Crawford fans.

The Wayward Wind is a restless Wind

[sol-kay · 7/10 · 25 April 2006]

**SPOILERS** Very unusual western about a somewhat unstable gunslinger, as well as murderer and bank robber, who's obsession of him being the fasted gun alive makes him a danger not only to everyone that he comes in contact with. Even his own gang of desperado's leave him. Knowing that his mad attempt to constantly prove himself "The Fastest Gun Alive" will make them permanent residents in the Boot Hill Cemetery.

Vinnie Harold, Broderick Crawford, has been out to prove that he's a man among men and does it by proving that he can outdraw anyone in the west. Between bank robberies Vinnie has been trying to find out who's the fastest gun in the west and then challenge him to a draw which in every case he comes out the winner.

On the run with his fellow bank robbers Swope & Wells, John Dehner & Noah Berry Jr, from a sheriff posse Vinnie stops off at a bar in the small town of Cross Creek. Vinnie finds out from little Bobby Tibbes (Chris Olsen) that there's someone in the town, after he bragged about how fast with a gun he is, that's even faster then he is.

This set up Vinnie's mad and insane attempt to draw out, and out draw, the person who's supposed to be faster then him the meek and tea-toting shopkeeper of the town's general store George Temple, Glen Ford. It was Temple who earlier had some kind of mental breakdown. When his deary job of selling clothes and foodstuffs to the towns nagging and annoying locals just got to him. Getting smashed at the local bar George not only started to brag about his own past as rattlesnake-like fast gunslinger George Kelby but proved it by putting two bullets into two silver dollars thrown in the air. Geoge then shot a mug of beer, at a distance of over 50 feet, out of the hand of one of the men in the bar before he could drop it to the ground.

Vinnie wanting to know who this "fastest gun alive" is so he can challenge him to a draw threatens to burn the town down if he, or the townspeople, doesn't reveal himself. By then both of Vinnie's cohorts, Swope & Wells, checked out, not even bothering to take their share of the loot from the bank that they robbed. They know that Vinnies gone completely nuts. As for the people of Cross Creek, who must number at least 200, their so out and out cowardly and intimidated by the crazed gunslinger that they don't even try to rush disarm and shoot him. Instead they leave that all up to the reluctant George Temple to go out in the street and have it out with the volatile and off-the-wall Vinnie Harold.

We and The people of Cross Ceek find out, almost when it's too late, that George Temple AKA George Kelby isn't who they think he is the famous gunslinger George Kelby. Kelby's young son George Jr. Junior has been living with the shame of letting the killers of his dad get away. George during the years has taken over his father's identity but has never drawn a gun in anger on anyone in his life. Even though he's lighting fast with the draw even fasted then his famous dad the late George Kelby Sr. was on his best day.

The really surprising ending of the movie "Fastest Gun Alive" makes it well worth watching as well as makes you forget all the convoluted and confusing sub-plots in the film that seem at times to turn this fairly good western into an armature psychological study.A study of what draws men to violence in order to prove themselves men in the eyes of their acquaintances family and friends as well as themselves.

No Matter How Fast You Are, There's Always Someone Faster

[jmarchese · 9/10 · 13 July 2017]

"The Fastest Gun Alive" is a TCM western released in 1956 about the costs involved in possessing the title, "The Fastest Gun Alive." Glenn Ford plays an excellent role of George Temple, a mild mannered store keeper with a relentless compulsion to be seen and heard. Temple's wife Dora, excellently portrayed by Jeanne Crain, has seen this compulsion before and is worried sick over George.

Academy Award winning actor Broderick Crawford plays an outstanding role as Vinnie Harold, the consummate bad guy exuding evil at every turn. Short tempered & mean, audiences will detest him. Yet, he has a soft spot for kids, dogs, and at least some decent human beings.

Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Frank Gilroy co-wrote an excellent screenplay based on his story, " The Last Notch." I thoroughly enjoyed the story line for the many lessons taught: 1) No matter how good you are, there's always someone better, 2) Everybody loves a winner, 3) Evil consumes its own players, 4) Town folks must be ready to collectively defend their town against evil, 5) Pride & status should never be shown off at the expense of other's feelings, 6) How assumptions can be extremely misleading, and finally 7) The reality fear factor of a gun fight.

Character development is excellent between several towns folk and their reaction to George Temple's misunderstood peculiarities. Almost all like and respect George as a mild mannered store keeper; but none are ready for the real George Temple. In addition, the viewing audience is treated to a sequence from talented acrobatic dancer Russ Tamblyn, who gained considerable note in "Seven Brides For Seven Brothers." The story flows and suspense gradually builds to support the ending sequence.

The Fastest Gun Alive received only a 7.1 out of 10 rating which I feel is too low given all of the movie's components, probably because some do not understand the many lessons incorporated into the story. Vinnie Harold's interaction with his own men proves out how evil consumes its own players. The town's reaction to George's actions proves that everybody loves a winner. Their assumptions about him show how wrong they can be.

But you cannot deny this B & W western did achieve Turner Classic Movie status.

Worth every minute

[thebuddies · 10 June 2004]

This old western is one I just happened across while channel surfing. They don't make westerns much anymore, and the one's that are made rarely measure up to the old classics such as this one. This is a must have for Glenn Ford fans. Ford westerns have always been some of my favorites and this one ranks right there with "The Last Challenge" and "Heaven with a Gun." Regardless of the dated good versus evil theme, this film still provides enough excitement to keep watching till the end, and is among Ford's best in my opinion. Also, Broderick Crawford plays a convincing role as the evil gunfighter. Great supporting cast, with such notables as Noah Beery, John Dehner and Jean Crain...Short, but good showdown scene and the ending has a very surprising twist. Any western lover will appreciate this old classic.

Maybe not a great western but certainly a good one

[MOscarbradley · 6/10 · 18 August 2018]

Glenn Ford is "The Fastest Gun Alive" but bad guy Broderick Crawford thinks he is and that's about all you need to know. Russell Rouse's western may be predictable but is also so single-minded, so concerned with nothing other than Ford's ability to draw a gun quicker than anyone else, that it actually exerts quite a grip. It's not particularly well-written or directed, (Rouse was never a name to conjour with), but it has a fine cast, (as well as Ford and Crawford, others involved include Jeanne Crain, Russ Tamblyn, Allyn Joslyn, Leif Erickson and John Dehner), and is superbly photographed in black and white by 13 time Oscar nominee George J. Folsey. It may not be one of the great westerns but it certainly is a good one.

Obnoxious hero and a silly premise

[twhiteson · 4/10 · 25 June 2017]

The story of the ex-gunfighter trying to put his past behind and go straight has been done more than few times in the western genre. (It's also been done to death in contemporary stories about retired hit men/mafiosi/mercenaries). The two greatest versions of this story among westerns are George Stevens' 1953 "Shane" and Clint Eastwood's 1992 "Unforgiven." Both those films depicted former gunmen truly traumatized by their violent pasts. Alan Ladd's "Shane" is a sad man doomed to a life as a lonely outcast and Clint Eastwood's "Bill Munny" knows that damnation and hellfire is what awaits him in the afterlife.

But then you have "The Fastest Gun Alive's" "George Temple" (Glenn Ford). Like Munny and Shane, George is an ex-gunfighter trying to walk away from his past. His reason for doing so is to please his uberbabe-of-a-wife, "Dora" (Jeanne Crain). Escaping the past, the couple own and operate a dry goods store in a podunk town where everyone views George as a teetotaling milksop. However, unlike Shane and Munny, George has no real regrets as to killing or any fear of eternal condemnation. In fact, he's practically chomping at the bit to brag about his skills and past.

What sets George over the top, though, is professional jealousy. You see another gunfighter, "Vinnie Harold" (Broderick Crawford), recently shot down a perceived rival in a nearby town in order to lay claim to the title: "fastest gun," and the people in George's town just can't stop talking about it. George's jealousy over hearing people marveling at Harold's feat makes him snap. So, he reveals his past. And that's where this film lost me: George's braggadocio and bullying while revealing himself to be A-Number-One-Gunfighter made him come across as a complete jerk. He's no Shane forced back into his profession to save a friend or Bill Munny killing again to save his family from financial ruin. Instead, George's just a braggart. Yeah, Harold comes hunting for him and threatens the town, but that would have never happened if George hadn't had such a big mouth and a bigger head. After the "reveal" scene, I really couldn't stand him or this movie anymore.

Also, the ridiculous depiction of gunfighting being some sort of "sport" that requires six hours of practice a day turned what appeared to be as serious film into a kiddie matinée B-pic. As Bill Munny puts it near the end of "Unforgiven" that his being a successful gunman was nothing more than luck and an ability to kill without conscious. (Another reviewer mentioned Don Siegel's 1975 "The Shootist" which had John Wayne's character making the same point that being "willing" to kill was far more important than being the best shot or the fastest draw.) George Temple, on the other hand, would say, "practice makes perfect." Yeah, right.