A viso aperto

The first portion of "Showdown" is very slow, talky, predictable and uninteresting. This is sad as the final portion shows much more imagination and is actually very good.

When the story begins, Billy (Dean Martin) is involved in a train robbery. Soon, his old friend, Chuck (Rock Hudson), meets up with him because Chuck is now a lawman. He captures Billy and convinces Billy to turn himself in, as the local judge has promised leniency.

While Billy is in jail awaiting his trial, the judge shows his true colors. The trial was set for a few weeks in the future but they rush it ahead since Chuck is out of town and they don't want him to testify for Billy...and they don't want Chuck to remind the court of the promise of leniency. The judge obviously intends to hang Billy...and when Chuck finds out, he comes storming back to help his old friend.

The first part of the film is glacially slow and easily could have been but in half. Too many flashbacks also hurt the momentum of the first portion. However, the final part is taut, interesting and worth seeing...it's just too bad the film is so bad up until then.