The Tin Star
A Rugged Bounty Hunter. A Tenderfoot Sheriff. Unlikely Partners In The Old West.
Henry Fonda and Anthony Perkins headline The Tin Star, a tough-minded, character-driven western nominated for an Oscar for its story and screenplay. Perkins plays Ben Owens, a greenhorn sheriff who hasn't worn his badge long...and won’t live to wear it much longer unless he gets some savvy help. Fonda, bringing to his role the presence and plain speaking that made him an icon of the cinematic West, plays wily bounty hunter Morg Hickman. "A decent man doesn't want to kill," Morg counsels Ben. "But if you're going to shoot, shoot to kill." Morg backs up his words with action. And when the time comes, so will Ben.
Member Reviews
Superior Western - T-Bar
One of those "adult" westerns from the fifties that spends more time on character than action. It works really well thanks to Fonda and Perkins.
The deep focus of director Mann helps a lot as does the the script which deals with prejudice, justice and the law.
Neville Brand also, as usual, stands out in a villain part. Well worth seeing.The Tin Star - Trev1
An absolute gem. Both Fonda and Perkins (pre-Psycho fame) give outstanding performances and the direction, cinematography and music are first class. Fonda plays a cynical bounty hunter, Perkins the idealistic, brave but naive sheriff. Their lives intercept in the claustrophobic confines of a small town, first in tackling the boorish Neville Brand, then in chasing killer Lee Van Cleef.
Shot for a dime in glorious black and white in a Hollywood backlot (you'll recognise the set from a zillion TV westerns) director Anthony Mann gets maximum tension from the intelligent script but it's Fonda's masterful and nuanced performance that will stick in your mind. Better than Shane, and for my money on par with High Noon.
TrevorAn "Intelligent" Western And Great Cast - bwod
If you liked "Shane" and "High Noon", then check this little one one out. Made in 1957, shot in black & white, starring two screen legends (Henry Fonda and Anthony Perkins), with a great supporting cast, "The Tin Star" isn't afraid to deal with touchy subjects that still resonate today. Prejudice (the only good Indian is a dead Indian), courage, cowardice, and selfishness, are all themes explored in Anthony Mann's psychological drama. Highly worth while. One and a half thumbs up.
Member Reviews
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Superior Western - T-Bar
One of those "adult" westerns from the fifties that spends more time on character than action. It works really well thanks to Fonda and Perkins.
The deep focus of director Mann helps a lot as does the the script which deals with prejudice, justice and the ...The Tin Star - Trev1
An absolute gem. Both Fonda and Perkins (pre-Psycho fame) give outstanding performances and the direction, cinematography and music are first class. Fonda plays a cynical bounty hunter, Perkins the idealistic, brave but naive sheriff. Their lives intercept ...An "Intelligent" Western And Great Cast - bwod
If you liked "Shane" and "High Noon", then check this little one one out. Made in 1957, shot in black & white, starring two screen legends (Henry Fonda and Anthony Perkins), with a great supporting cast, "The Tin Star" isn't afraid to deal with touchy subjects ...