Let's be realistic.

What a freaking movie. So many twists and turns. Absolutely intense from start to finish.

I am only giving this movie a 1 for the great cast, though I can't imagine what any of them were thinking. This movie was horrible

Easily the biggest piece of Right wing non sense propaganda I ever saw.

I love good movies, who doesn't, but I especially love movies that are one-of-a-kind, that break the mold, that don't quite fit the mold, constantly surprise the viewer, and ultimately deliver the goods. One of the most watchable westerns ever. Glen Ford is what could be one of his best roles, subtle, anxious, looking to do the right thing, never pushing. And Jeanne Crain doing what she does best, spurring on her man. (Opps, not trying to be sexist BUT THE ROLE WAS WRITTEN THAT WAY). And -- who knew? -- after literally 100's of Hollywood westerns have passed over the creative bridge, THIS IS THE FIRST TO POINT OUT that being "fast" takes ... Duh .. practice? Superb story -- quiet storekeeper is, in fact, a closet gunslinger who practices each and every day of his life ... as long as he can get away from the little woman, of course. All is fine is until one day the town bully pushes the little guy a bit too far, and he snaps and teaches the bully a lesson. And in the process does a gun trick that only a handful of men alive could do. And a little boy sees this ... and remembers. That's all the spoiler you get, but this one is a keeper.

Although excellent, this is NOT the best western ever made. No western is. It's simply a matter of taste. (De gustibus....) I must say, however, that this movie would have been more interesting if Ford and Crawford had switched roles. (Or if the kid had shot Crawford in the back, just before he drew.) That being said, to my taste The Man Who Shot Liberty Valence was the best western because of John Wayne's restrained portrayal of his tragic character. But I don't expect anyone else to agree. I must say that I absolutely detest spaghetti westerns. Spain never quite convinces, and the Spaniards/Italians certainly don't.

This is a mediocre "B" Western that feels like a really long episode of "Gunsmoke". It is not without merit, however.Here's what was good:Glenn Ford puts in a brooding performance has a retired gunfighter who is struggling to adapt to domestic town life.Jeanne Crain looked very attractive as his wife.Solid supporting cast with Broderick Crawford and John Dehner.Clever twist endingHere's what kept it from being better:Felt more like a stage play than a movie.No location shooting. Strictly back lot.

A remarkable western that tells a moral story - a villain with pride (the superb Broderick Crawford) goes head to head with the quiet shopkeeper with a secret and pride (the excellent Glenn Ford) - a worthy surprise ending awaits! Perhaps the scene stealer is the performance by John Dehner portraying Crawford's sidekick.Ford plays the 'Fastest Gun' and he demonstrates this to the local men when he has a little too much to drink. The exhibition is quite spectacular - and worthy of the 'Fastest Gun Alive'.Crawford's villain is a little unhinged over his desire to prove that he is the fastest on the draw. Eventually his villainy becomes even too much for his sidekicks who choose to leave him when his obsession threatens a whole town.Just before showdown time it is revealed that Ford has never drawn against another man and then comes the finale ...!A western to watch without interruption.