Gregory Peck stars in this movie about Jimmy Ringo, a gunfighter, who has come into a town. While in town, a young man engages him in a gunfight. Needless to say, the young man comes out on the losing end. He leaves and rides on to the town of Cayenne, to see his estranged girlfriend, Peggy Walsh, played by Helen Westcott, and his son. The marshal of the town, encourages Johnny to leave, because the man who was killed, has three brothers who will be looking for Johnny. Johnny surprises the brothers outside of town, and separates them from their horses. He goes into town and reconnects with his wife, and has a conversation with his son, who doesn’t know him. His wife says it would be best, if he comes back in a year, and he agrees. Before Johnny can leave, the brothers come back into town, having secured horses. Two of the men are captured, but the remaining one shoots Johnny in the back as he’s getting ready to ride his horse, killing him. The sheriff tells the man, that he’s letting him go. His reason is that now he will be a target, because he’s the man who killed Johnny Ringo. The town later gives Johnny a hero’s funeral, and his wife and child proudly acknowledge him.
Gregory Peck was a very good actor, and he proves it in this film. His scene with his son before he is killed, is very moving. His son knows his name, but doesn’t know Johnny Ringo is his father. He talks to him but can’t tell him who he is. He has a a good conversation with the marshal about their outlaw days, among other things. Peck gives a somber performance, because Johnny Ringo is a man with a heavy conscience, who knows his days are numbered.
Millard Mitchell played Marshal Mark Strett. He works well in his scenes with Gregory Peck. They talk about the old days, and other things. The marshal likes Johnny’s company, but also knows he has to leave, so he can keep order. Mitchell gives a solid performance as a man now living a respectable life. He shows his anger when Johnny is killed, by the vengeance minded brother. He shows deep respect, when he finds out Jimmy’s widow and son have come to the funeral.
Henry King directed The Gunfighter. He’s done a good job of telling what a gunfighter’s life would be like, unhappy and always wondering if today you would be your last. He does an effective beginning with the gunfighter galloping into town and closes with him riding into the sunset after his death. This movie doesn’t have clear definitions of good and evil. Henry King has definitely given it his best shade of gray. He gives the west a more realistic feel.
If you’re looking for a different type of western, The Gunfighter is for you. It has the audience hoping for a happy ending for Jimmy Ringo, until the very end. It shows that a life of bad choices, still can end up with some good coming out of it.