Travis Simpkins

The Ox-Bow Incident (1943): Henry Fonda and Anthony Quinn

Directed by William A. Wellman, The Ox-Bow Incident (1943) is a powerful statement about the dangers of lynch mob justice, and it still resounds today over 70 years later. The story concerns a group of cowboys in 1885 Nevada, wrongly accused of murder by a mob, and hastily executed for the crime. The black and white cinematography is brilliant. The performances are extraordinary, including Henry Fonda, Harry Morgan, Dana Andrews, Mary Beth Hughes, Harry Davenport and Anthony Quinn in an early role.

The Ox-Bow Incident. 1943

The Ox-Bow Incident. 1943: Anthony Quinn

The Ox-Bow Incident. 1943

Last Train from Gun Hill (1959): Kirk Douglas and Anthony Quinn

Directed by John Sturges, Last Train from Gun Hill (1959) is a solid Western with elements of High Noon and 3:10 to Yuma mixed with some original twists. The story concerns a lawman whose squaw wife is raped and murdered, and the confrontation that happens when he finds out that the guilty culprit is the son of his best friend. Limited sets work well and create great atmosphere. Kirk Douglas and Anthony Quinn are superb in the lead roles. The supporting cast is good as well, including Carolyn Jones and Earl Holliman.

Last Train from Gun Hill. 1959: Kirk Douglas

Last Train from Gun Hill. 1959

Last Train from Gun Hill. 1959: Anthony Quinn and Kirk Douglas

Last Train from Gun Hill. 1959: Anthony Quinn

Last Train from Gun Hill. 1959: Kirk Douglas

Last Train from Gun Hill. 1959

Last Train from Gun Hill. 1959: Kirk Douglas

Last Train from Gun Hill. 1959

Last Train from Gun Hill. 1959: Anthony Quinn

Warlock (1959): Henry Fonda, Anthony Quinn, Richard Widmark

Directed by Edward Dmytryk, Warlock (1959) is an underrated Western Classic that is worthy of more attention. The story concerns the 1880's western town of Warlock, plagued by outlaw cowboys, that hire a vigilante gunman to clean things up. Shot in DeLuxe Color and CinemaScope, the cinematography is striking and vibrant. The whole cast does a fine job, including Henry Fonda, Anthony Quinn, Richard Widmark, Dorothy Malone and Delores Michaels.