Tribute to a Bad Man

Cagney didn't make many westerns, which is a shame because he's pretty wonderful in this film which is largely a character study of his titular character. Dubbins is the nominal star, but he exists in Cagney's shadow and the film's biggest question is whether Cagney will come around and do the right thing. Papas is the only one who manages to equal Cagney, although Vic Morrow stands out in a prime supporting role.

Cagney obviously carries the picture but it's mostly boring

Cagney was fine, though I didn't feel like his gritted-teeth tough guy demeanor translated that well to a western. However, his character Rodock was complex and I found myself sympathizing with him, since his options were not so black and white. Don Dubbins was good as the wet-behind-the-ears protagonist Steve Miller.