Wed 15 Oct 2014
A Western Movie Review by Jonathan Lewis: MASTERSON OF KANSAS (1954).
Posted by Steve under Reviews , Western movies[5] Comments
MASTERSON OF KANSAS. Columbia Pictures, 1954. George Montgomery, Nancy Gates, James Griffith, Jean Wille, Benny Rubin, William Henry, David Bruce, Bruce Cowling. Story and screenplay: Douglas Heyes. Director: William Castle.
Masterson of Kansas is, in many ways, a much better movie than it deserves to be. Let me explain. This Sam Katzman-produced film has little in the way of beautiful Western scenery, not all that much in the way of character development, and, with the exception of the final ten minutes or so, very little creative or unique cinematography or direction. Even so, I found myself thoroughly enjoying this highly fictionalized Bat Masterson lawman story.
Directed by William Castle, who is now best known for his schlocky and gimmicky horror films, Masterson of Kansas is economical both with plot and time. It’s a short, fun-filled little film that benefits strongly from its casting of George Montgomery as Bat Masterson and veteran character actor James Griffith as Doc Holliday.
Although Montgomery is definitely a presence in this film, it’s Griffith who steals the show as Holliday, depicted in this movie as a sickly, vengeful gambler who hates – I mean hates! – Masterson with a passion. Griffith simply shines as the irritable Holliday, a man torn between loving cards and loathing Masterson.
The plot revolves around Masterson’s attempt to clear the name of a man falsely accused and convicted of murder. He does this primarily to help keep the peace between Kansas settlers and the local Indian tribes, one of which is lead by Yellow Hawk (Jay Silverheels). Bat may not be completely altruistic. Along the way, he seems to develop an interest the convicted man’s lovely daughter (Nancy Gates). Their supposed romance is more of a cliché than anything else.
Truth be told, the storyline isn’t all that much. But there is enough action to keep the viewer engaged. The sequence in which Masterson, Holliday, and Wyatt Earp (Bruce Cowling) walk down the street together as comrades in arms is beautifully filmed, as is the scene of the hangman’s noose waiting for the falsely accused man.
Masterson of Kansas is no brooding psychological weapon, nor is it an epic tale. But that doesn’t stop it from being fun. As escapist entertainment, this movie has a lot to recommend it.
October 15th, 2014 at 10:15 pm
I liked this one much better than it likely deserves, thought Montgomery had a good if historically incorrect take on Bat, and James Griffith excelled as Doc Holliday.
Usually when the Earp’s and Holliday are involved Bat gets short shrift, but not here.
It’s nothing special save it’s good, which I suppose is special enough.
October 16th, 2014 at 12:58 am
James Griffith may not have gotten top billing, but he was the star of this movie, as far I am concerned. And I do like Montgomery and think he’s been unfairly neglected recently
October 16th, 2014 at 3:14 pm
It is Griffith’s movie, and he makes the most of the part. He plays the role perfectly in this one
Montgomery did some good films and terrific westerns like RUSTLERS ROOST and TEXAS RANGERS (not related to the 1936 version). He was a good leading man and action star, and showed some surprises in films like ROXIE HART. Not a bad furniture maker either.
October 16th, 2014 at 7:31 pm
This is indeed a good movie. I’ve long recommended it on my web site.
Lots of Castle’s movies are better than they might at first sound.
The review makes a good point about this! It is unclear about what causes this.
Castle has a personal, individual touch as a filmmaker. His films are different in “feel” from other directors’.
October 17th, 2014 at 2:55 am
I believe this year marks what would have been Castle’s 100th birthday. I imagine that all of his films deserve a second look at this point. They aren’t all necessarily what people would expect them to be.