The Last Challenge
The Last Challenge is a not-so-classic reprise to a western theme so cliché it’s classic. Marshal Dan Blaine (Glenn Ford) is by reputation, the fastest gun in the west. Young Lot McGuire (Chad Everett) sets out to lay claim to the fame. He first encounters Blaine at a fishing hole without knowing who the man is. They strike up a casual acquaintance until McGuire reveals his purpose and Blaine reveals his identity.
McGuire rides into town where Blaine is town marshal. Brothel madam, Lisa Denton (Angie Dickenson) is in love with Blaine and plans to wed him. She learns McGuires intentions and hires gun hand drifter Scarnes (Jack Elam) to kill McGuire.
Circumstances throw Blaine and McGuire together to deal with renegade Indians. Blaine takes an interest in the young man and tries to persuade him to give up the idea of facing him. If McGuire forces Blaine’s hand, he will have no choice but to kill him. Any sign of weakness will bring every wanna-be gunny in the territory down on him.
Scarnes ambushes McGuire and is killed in the ensuing gunfight. Dying he tells McGuire Lisa hired him. McGuire confronts Lisa who sees the showdown coming. She draws her derringer, determined to kill McGuire. Blaine disarms her. McGuire confronts Blaine in the saloon. He draws. Blaine kills him.
At McGuires graveside, Blaine throws his gun belt into the grave on top of the casket. He mounts his horse and rides out of town as Lisa cries on the saloon steps.
The story makes thin gruel for a very talented cast. Glenn Ford brought the same brand of gravitas to the role of Dan Blaine as he brought to Ben Wade in the original 3:10 to Yuma. In young Chad Everett we got a glimpse of the talent he would develop in the years and roles following The Last Challenge. Angie Dickenson is Angie Dickenson in the talented early years of her career. Jack Elam can do bad, and he does bad good as Scarnes. The story didn’t give this cast much to work with, the talent more than made up the deficit.
Next Week: Firecreek
Return to Facebook to comment.
Ride easy,
Paul
McGuire rides into town where Blaine is town marshal. Brothel madam, Lisa Denton (Angie Dickenson) is in love with Blaine and plans to wed him. She learns McGuires intentions and hires gun hand drifter Scarnes (Jack Elam) to kill McGuire.
Circumstances throw Blaine and McGuire together to deal with renegade Indians. Blaine takes an interest in the young man and tries to persuade him to give up the idea of facing him. If McGuire forces Blaine’s hand, he will have no choice but to kill him. Any sign of weakness will bring every wanna-be gunny in the territory down on him.
Scarnes ambushes McGuire and is killed in the ensuing gunfight. Dying he tells McGuire Lisa hired him. McGuire confronts Lisa who sees the showdown coming. She draws her derringer, determined to kill McGuire. Blaine disarms her. McGuire confronts Blaine in the saloon. He draws. Blaine kills him.
At McGuires graveside, Blaine throws his gun belt into the grave on top of the casket. He mounts his horse and rides out of town as Lisa cries on the saloon steps.
The story makes thin gruel for a very talented cast. Glenn Ford brought the same brand of gravitas to the role of Dan Blaine as he brought to Ben Wade in the original 3:10 to Yuma. In young Chad Everett we got a glimpse of the talent he would develop in the years and roles following The Last Challenge. Angie Dickenson is Angie Dickenson in the talented early years of her career. Jack Elam can do bad, and he does bad good as Scarnes. The story didn’t give this cast much to work with, the talent more than made up the deficit.
Next Week: Firecreek
Return to Facebook to comment.
Ride easy,
Paul
No comments have been added yet.
