Seven Ways From Sundown

Seven Ways From Sundown is an enthralling classic Western released in 1960, directed by Harry Keller and starring Audie Murphy, Barry Sullivan, and Venetia Stevenson. This cinematic time capsule encapsulates the raw ethos of classic 1960s filmmaking, complete with the hallmark aesthetics of the Western genre - rugged landscapes, gun slinging cowboys, intense chase sequences, and moral dilemmas.

In this film, Audie Murphy plays the role of Seven Ways From Sundown Jones. If honesty was personified, it would take the form of this character. Jones is new to the Texas Rangers, as raw as it gets, and named after the cowboy coming-of-age novel his mother is reading at the time. Murphy, renowned for being the most decorated American soldier of WWII, brings justice to this role with an honest interpretation of his character's innocence, nobility, and determination to uphold the law.

The plot of the movie unfolds as Murphy's character is given the task of arresting a notorious outlaw, Jim Flood, played with engaging charisma by Barry Sullivan. Flood is notorious for his thievery, notorious for his ruthlessness, yet also notoriously charming. The film's early twist sees Jones and his senior partner, Texas Ranger Sergeant Henessey, set off to bring Flood to justice. However, Murphy's character ends up alone on this mission due to unforeseen circumstances. The movie then focuses on the cat and mouse chase between the inexperienced yet unabashedly brave newcomer ranger and the seasoned, cunning outlaw.

Age, experience, and cunning are on Flood's side, yet the relentless determination and essential goodness of Jones build a fascinating dynamic between the two. They journey across a rugged and unforgiving terrain, meeting various characters along the way, each enhancing the narrative with profound and morally complex dialogues, providing an introspective look into the human condition and the grey shades of right and wrong.

Venetia Stevenson takes on the role of Joy Karrigan, a character who is not merely a romantic interest but one who represents a segment of society impacted by the brutality of outlaw life. Her interactions with Jones and Flood provide a deeper perspective on the morality and societal context, adding another layer to the story. As their journey across the texan wilderness unfolds, the relationship between the ranger and the outlaw evokes a strange camaraderie despite the clear dichotomy of their roles.

The movie doesn't shy away from delivering on all fronts of a classic Western. Be prepared for high-speed horse chases, gunfights, brawls, and dramatic moral standoffs. It boasts an authentic display of grimy saloons, rough riders and an overall impression of lawless lands – the visuals that encapsulate the old west.

Cinematography plays an essential role in such genre pieces, and in this film, breathtaking landscapes of the west are stunningly captured. The vastness of the plains, the dense foliage of forests, the harsh terrains of the rocky mountains, all painted in a gritty, dusty palette that complements the narrative's rawness.

Seven Ways From Sundown is more than just a film about good versus evil; it is a exploration of humanity's complex nature, morality, and duty. The audiences are left pondering over the importance of loyalty and duty, the thin line of justice, and the psychological tussle between an adamant lawman and an equally resolute outlaw. It is a deep dive into the human psyche and the lengths to which one would go for their beliefs.

Finally, what elevates this film is the smooth direction by Harry Keller and the tightly knit screenplay penned by Clair Huffaker. Together, they build a narrative that feels organic and keeps the audience engaged and invested in the characters' journey.

In conclusion, Seven Ways From Sundown is an often under-appreciated gem of a film that offers a blend of gritty action and thought-provoking dialogues, while exploring the complex human nature within the classic Western setting. Those with a penchant for vintage cinema or fans of the Western genre will find this film to be a must-see.