At Gunpoint

"At Gunpoint" offers a unique take on bravery, diverging from the typical Western portrayal. Fred MacMurray embodies this role, complemented by Walter Brennan's playing the doctor. While it may not reach the heights of a classic, it's a film that merits viewing.

This 2nd tier western is essentially a take on "High Noon" where the hero isn't the sheriff or even a competent gunfighter. MacMurray is extremely well-suited to the role, which is a pleasant surprise since you don't really think of him as a star of westerns. He's supported by a great cast including Dorothy Malone as his wife, Walter Brennan as the town doctor, who is the one man who stands by him, and a town filled with reliable character actors like Whit Bissell and John Qualen.

Clearly rehashing the themes of High Noon, in this film the townspeople are unrealistic, sniveling cowards who abandon their friend in his time of danger, blind to their strength in community. In all, though, this isn't a bad movie. I had to try Fred MacMurray in a western and as a bonus got Walter Brennan.