So much average

Just so...so bad

Better Late Then Never

One of those movie experiences that is so good it makes you realize you've been grading everything else on a curve.

I saw this movie many, many moons ago and I thought at the time, That has to be the dumbest movie since "Pony Express" with Charlton Heston. No doubt Mitchum thought about quitting the movies after he made this one. It would not surprise me to learn he thought about slitting his wrists. I watched it again to see if I remembered it right. Reminds me of the Hush-Puppy shoe commercials. The Japanese could have made it cheaper but they could not have made it dumber. Has all the stupid clichés. Outlaws chasing a stagecoach. No one did that. Not even the Indians. Saguaro cacti in a place they never grow. Fast draw duel. Man lights a candle and a 40 watt light bulb illuminates the room. One tap on the head and a man is unconscious with no ill effects. Don't know how many more times I will be afforded the opportunity to not watch this movie but I look forward to every one.

Released in 1969, "Young Billy Young" tells the story of Lordsburg, Arizona, where a new lawman comes to town (Robert Mitchum). He takes to a foolish young gun (Robert Walker Jr.) because he reminds him of his murdered son and also to a saloon girl (Angie Dickenson) who's happens to be the woman of the bad man who runs the town (Jack Kelly). John Anderson plays the criminal whom the lawman came to bring to justice. Deana Martin (Dean's daughter) is on hand as the kid's possible romantic interest while David Carradine plays a ne'er-do-well.The story is based on Will Henry's "Who Rides with Wyatt," a fictionalized novel that focuses on Wyatt Earp's relationship with young Billy Clanton, but the names were changed for the movie. Wyatt becomes Marshal Kane (Mitchum), Billy Clanton becomes Billy Young (Walker Jr.) and the town villain is named after the corrupt sheriff of Tombstone, John Behan. The plot is similar to 1959's "Rio Bravo" and 1966' "El Dorado" while the tone is akin to the more contemporary "El Dorado" and 1968's "Bandolero!" Speaking of the latter, the quirky nature of the score by Shelly Manne is reminiscent of the score to "Bandolero!," albeit not quite as good, yet still very notable (of course, some hate it). Robert Mitchum sings the title song.If you favor any of those three films you'll likely appreciate "Young Billy Young," although it's the least of 'em. While the cast is great, with Mitchum towering as the fearless and confident protagonist, and there are numerous impressive Western visuals – e.g. the awe-inspiring locomotive/train, the magnificent stagecoach and the ensuing stagecoach hold-up attempt – there are too many glaring unlikelihoods. For instance, why don't the bandits chasing the stagecoach simply shoot one of the eight horses linked to it? That'd bring it down real quick. Nevertheless, there's enough good here for an enjoyable Western experience, even though you might say "Yeah, right" now and then. The chemistry between Mitchum and Dickinson is palpable and there's a moving line the latter says to the former that steals the show.The film is short-n-sweet at 89 minutes and was shot in Old Tucson, Arizona.GRADE: B-

Burt Kennedy both wrote & directed this western taken from a novel. Kennedy was a well known good writer & director, mostly westerns.Robert Mitchum was a star for over 20 years when he made this. This role was like many he had made already,One can see why he was a big star for so many years.He filled this role easily like a well used glove.The title character is played by Robert Walker Jr. (his father a fine actor Robert Walker--died tragically at age 32---his mother is noted actress Jennifer Jones).Robert was of slight build & even though he had talent only made a few films. (he was in Rita Hayworth's near last film.ROAD TO SALINAS ---the same year & was very good).He looked very much like his father, but seemed to lack his fathers charm. He made only a few more movies. He is still living & I wish him well.Most of his scenes are with another son of a Hollywood great. John Carradine's son David, who is still making movies. they made a nice team.In westerns you always have a female character & usually she is a dance hall performer. (today they call them hookers), Angie Dickinson assays this role nicely. also featured are western stalwarts, John Anderson & Jack Kelly.It was film in Old Tucson )outside of downtown Tucaon Az,. & the scenery is gorgeous.Typical of the older westerns, there is not too much action,there is some good humour & the usual ending shoot out.It is a fast enjoyable 89 minutes.Ratings: *** (out of 10) 84 points(out of 100) IMDb 7 (out of 10)

A good entertainment but nothing more : in this western we are between the classics and the spaghetti ones. This provides us a good a conventional story but it's always a pleasure to see Robert Mitchum with his legendary flegma although he isn't as fit as in the forties or the fifties. And don't forget David Carradine is the son of John Carradine