Along the Great Divide

Along the Great Divide is a very polished western. Only lacking a deeper story execution to become a more renowned classic. This was the first time Kirk Douglas put on his cowboy boots, displaying a complicated character. Virginia Mayo was a bright spot. While Walter Brennan was probable the main guy making this enjoyable. The desert ride helped give it a appeal, distinguishing it from the average western from the time.

Okay I'm starting to really like Kirk Douglas. Brennan is also amazing in this

Appallingly written, especially the ludicrous ending, but all of it really. One low point is when Virginia Mayo suddenly decides to passionately kiss Kirk Douglas, because she is overcome with love for her father's captor who she had only recently been trying to kill.

Along the Great Divide is a solid western with several classic components. It has the marshal (Kirk Douglas) obsessed with doing his job at all costs. Then there is the wily old man (Walter Brennan) working to get free with the help of his beautiful daughter (Virginia Mayo). The interactions of these three under the pressure of crossing the desert drives the plot. It's has potential, but the ending brings it back to standard western plot lines, making for an average movie.