Rough Night in Jericho

Rough Night in Jericho, directed by Arnold Laven in 1967, is a timeless classic in the Western genre. This gun-slinging, morality-testing film orbits around a small town savagely controlled by a formidable ex-lawman turned rogue. With an outstanding cast including Dean Martin, Jean Simmons, and George Peppard, Rough Night in Jericho imparts a somewhat grim undertone into the otherwise adventurous landscape of traditional Western cinema.

The film's narrative is centred on Jericho, a dusty town in the wild west, held in the pitiless grip of a ruthless racketeer Alex Flood, compellingly brought to life by Dean Martin. Flood, an ex-lawman, now has the entire town under his thumb, from the hapless Sheriff Ben Hickman (John McIntire) to local businesses –all powerless or too scared to defy Flood's despotic rule.

Complementing Dean Martin’s villainous attire with absolute finesse, the plot thickens when Jean Simmons, as Molly Lang, steps onto the scene. A defiant and resilient woman, she co-owns the stagecoach line, the last independent enterprise in Jericho yet to fall under Flood's control. Molly, with her unwavering determination, presents herself as a beacon of hope, adding a necessary touch of femininity and distress to the otherwise male-dominated narrative, a common trait of classic westerns.

George Peppard plays the role of Dolan, an enigmatic drifter with a mysterious past, who arrives in Jericho on an initially undisclosed mission. Witnessing the tyranny of Alex Flood, he is determined to help the town of Jericho breathe the air of freedom. Peppard’s Dolan, with his rogue charm, and penchant for righteousness strikes a perfect balance, conceptualized through fascinating confrontations with Martin’s Alex Flood.

The central narrative of Rough Night in Jericho revolves around the battle of wills and wits between these characters. This conflict brings out the human struggle satisfyingly, interweaving themes of power, corruption, friendship, and redemption throughout the narrative. Four-time Golden Globe nominee, Dean Martin’s portrayal of the villainous Alex Flood is praiseworthy, giving the tale its grimness, and heart. His demeanor and charisma add an extra layer to the usual Western antagonist image, making the character’s connection to the audience more than just a mere villain.

George Peppard's Dolan brings an impressive on-screen presence, making the audiences root for him. His character's determination and wit are sure to mesmerize viewers. Dolan’s mysterious build throughout the narrative keeps the audiences hooked, always eager to learn more about this newcomer aiming to dismantle Flood’s reign. Jean Simmons' part as the assertive and brave Molly Lang ensures that Rough Night in Jericho stands out in its portrayal of women in Western cinema.

Primarily known for his works within the television segment, director Arnold Laven successfully crafts an authentic Wild West ambiance in Rough Night in Jericho, replete with stark landscapes, deserted streets, and rustic saloons. Every frame of this movie works to evoke a palpable tension that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats.

Summing up this classic western, Rough Night in Jericho hosts a tantalizing cocktail of dramatic confrontations, plot twists, moral dilemmas, and bitter power struggles. The movie’s strong performances, fantastic screenplay, and enthralling story arc make for a classic film that holds its ground in the genre. The film provides captivating insight into the true grit of human nature under oppression. It is a must-watch for any aficionado of the Western genre.