Lawman

I have watched this film a dozen times. It has a great deal to say about morality. Lancaster's lawman is certain that he holds the moral high ground and will go to any... more >

I have watched this film a dozen times. It has a great deal to say about morality. Lancaster's lawman is certain that he holds the moral high ground and will go to any lengths to carry out his "duty". Robert Ryan is excellent in his role of a once famous lawman himself, who has lost his nerve. He in some way envies Lancaster's strength but reflects that times have changed and everyone should bend a little or even take an easy life by selling out. Lancaster's character does start to see that perhaps his attitude has caused a lot of distress and perhaps it is not worth it. The ending is good and Lancaster's character cannot just withdraw and achieve redemption. Circumstances make him revert to type and he even loses the love interest that would surely have been there for him had the ending been different. < less

The iconic presence of Burt Lancaster as one of the great Western stars distinguishes these welcome DVD releases. The first is a minor classic in the actor’s career, t... more >

The iconic presence of Burt Lancaster as one of the great Western stars distinguishes these welcome DVD releases. The first is a minor classic in the actor’s career, the second a very solid piece of work. And while MGM rightly showcases Lancaster’s impressive co-stars in Lawman, they make no mention of the wonderful support he enjoys in The Scalphunters: Ossie Davis, Telly Savalas and Shelly Winters (the latter priceless as the wry villain and his raucous mistress). Elmer Bernstein’s magnificent score is another plus. < less

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Film Details

Cast

Burt Lancaster, Robert Ryan, Robert Duvall, Lee J. Cobb

Technical Details