Forty Guns

Set in the infamous town of Tombstone, Arizona, this somewhat violent Western by cult director Sam Fuller features a strong central performance by female lead Barbara Stanwyck in the role of tough landowner Jessica Drummond.

From the very start we know where we are here thanks to cinematographer Joseph Biroc’s establishing long shots in which La Stanwyck thunders into the frame, all dressed in black and astride a white horse… well in front of her forty hired ‘guns’. At the same time, reformed ex-gunslinger Griff Bonnell (Barry Sullivan) and his two brothers Wes (Gene Barry) and Chico (Robert Dix) are making their way into town in an open wagon when Jessica and her crew ride almost straight into them, flanking them on either side.

Weak and short-sighted Marshal Chisolm’s (Hank Worden) attempts to inject some law and order into this lawless town amount to very little. He is openly mocked, ridiculed and shot in the leg by bad guy Brockie (John Ericson), who just happens to be Jessica’s brother. Cue re-arrival of Griff, Wes and Chico, a no-nonsense trio who don’t take any schtick from anyone! It takes Griff little time to put loudmouth Brockie in his place by simply walking down the dirty street and pistol-whipping him. Man that he is, he sussed that Brockie is a coward. Mind you, Brockie is not in jail for long before ruler of the roost Jessica gets him out.

Despite the ongoing brutalities there’s romance in the air. When a strong woman meets a strong man amongst a town of weaklings and cowards then sparks are sure to fly! Griff and Jessica become involved after he rescues her being dragged along by her horse during a sandstorm. Meanwhile Griff’s brother Wes falls for pretty Louvenie (Eve Brent), the daughter of the local gunsmith.

Of course, things don’t run smooth for long. Two of Jessica’s men make an attempt on Griff’s life though he is saved by brother Chico who shoots one of the assailants dead. As a result, Brockie and the other dragoons try to turn the townsfolk against the Bonnell brothers. From then on, things can only get worse and they do… leaving a trail of death and destruction, not to mention broken hearts!

High ridin’ woman Stanwyck strides through her performance with her usual zeal, but whether she is equally complemented by Barry Sullivan’s lead is debatable. The two leads are well supported by the likes of stalwarts Dean Jagger and Gene Barry. Veteran composer Harry Sukman does not fail to deliver the goods with his score to this somewhat unusual Western… which is only what you expect from Fuller.

This ‘Masters Of Cinema’ Dual Edition offers the following SPECIAL FEATURES:

• Gorgeous new transfer in the original aspect ratio
• Audio interview with Samuel Fuller from 1969 at the National Film Theatre in London
• Video interview with film critic Jean-Louis Leutrat
• Theatrical trailer
• A booklet featuring new writing by Stephane Joudet, an extract from Samuel Fuller's autobiography, and rare archival imagery