The Lusty Men 1952

     Jeff McCloud has gained a reputation as a prize winning rodeo rider during the 50’s.  He receives an injury and he returns to his hometown after years of absence.  An elderly man purchased his former home and farm at a sale.  Jeff signs on as a hired hand at a local ranch and he becomes friends with Wes and his wife Louise.  They want to try to raise enough money to purchase the house and farm.  Wes talks Jeff into teaching him how to win at the rodeo so they can get the money they need faster.  Louise is worried about Wes getting hurt in the riding and roping contests.

     Wes begins to lose his way after he has some wins under his belt.  He resents giving Jeff half of his winnings.  He begins to drink, gamble and hang out with the rodeo groupies.  Louise wants him to do none of these things.  Sometimes the slow and longer route to getting what you really want pays more dividends than trying a faster but much more dangerous path.  3 1/2* (I liked this movie)

113 min, Action directed by Nicholas Ray and Robert Parrish with Susan Hayward, Robert Mitchum, Arthur Kennedy, Arthur Hunnicutt, Frank Faylen, Walter Coy, Carol Nugent, Maria Hart, Lorna Thayer, Burt Mustin.

Note:  Imdb 7.6 out of 10, 100% critic 87% audience on Rotten Tomatoes, Amazon 4.8* out of 5* wit 27 reviews.

Special Note:  Filmed in Pendleton, Oregon; Spokane, Washington; Livermore, Agoura and San Francisco, California; Tucson, Arizona; Roswell, New Mexico; Phoenix, Arizona; Denver, Colorado; Dahlert, Texas.