TRIBUTE TO A BAD MAN

US, 1956, 95 minutes, Colour.
James Cagney, Don Dubbins, Irene Papas, Stephen Mc Nally. Vic Morrow. Lee Van Cleef.
Directed by Robert Wise.

Tribute to a Badman is a different western. It follows the familiar framework of a stranger riding in and, at the end of the film, riding out. But, while the stranger tells the story, he is not the centre of attention. This centre of attention is an older man, a self?made ranch?owner, who rules his property, loves his horses and executes justice on the frontier. At this stage in his life he is confronted by two humanising challenges ? the Greek woman he has rescued from the Cheyenne prostitution and who loves him and is grateful to him, and the young cowboy from the East who saves his life, is repelled by his lust for vengeance and who comes to love the Greek woman.

Thus, this is a human interest Western not an action packed one and, as such, worth seeing and discussing. James Cagney is good in a part originally begun by Spencer Tracy who lost it because of his lack of co?operation. This is one of Irene Papas' earliest English speaking roles.

1. What was the meaning of the title of the film? Was it a tribute?

2.Was Jeremy Rodock a bad man? What motivated Jeremy's life? why was he engrossed in his horses and his possessions? Was he a selfish man?

3. Why did he have to become a law unto himself and the executor of justice?

4. Was there anything wrong with his doing this on the frontier? Was there anything wrong with the way he enjoyed executing justice? Was he merely vindictive?

5. Did he like Steve Miller or was he just grateful that Steve had saved his life? Was he a naive young man? How and why did he change?

6. How did Jocasta soften his harsh attitudes to life? Jeremy said she was free to go at any time. How much did he mean it?

7. Was Jocasta merely grateful to Jeremy or did she really love him? What made her doubt and turn away from him?

8. What did you think of the ranch-hands?

9. What impression did the hanging scene make?

10. Why did young Petersen join in stealing Jeremy's horses? were the group so cruel to the horses?

11. Was the punishment of making the horse-thieves walk a just one? Did Jeremy overdo it? Did he enjoy inflicting the punishment?

12. Why did Jocasta decide to leave Jeremy? Did you, at any time, think she really loved Steve?

13. Was this a satisfying Western? Was it a satisfying look at genuine human situations and people?