CATTLE KING

US, 1963, 90 minutes, Colour.
Robert Taylor, Joan Caulfield, Larry Gates, Robert Loggia, Robert Middleton, William Windom, Virginia Christine.
Directed by Tay Garnett.

Quite a good western. Robert Taylor, in his middle age, moved into making quite a number of westerns, for example the excellent 'Saddle the Wind'. This is somewhat in the same vein. His rugged intensity and seriousness suit the kind of role that he portrays - the wealthy rancher confronted by unscrupulous businessmen who want to change the face of the range. There are some political implications in the film with the portrayal of President Arthur - well done by Larry Gates. Joan Caulfield makes a welcome reappearance as the heroine. The film is somewhat grim in its outlook, and pessimistic. However it is one of those westerns with an emphasis on American pioneering integrity. The director is the veteran Tay Garnett who made so many films in the thirties and forties.