Top Gun

I have no idea how he did it, but whatever film he was in Sterling Hayden added quality to it. He does so here in what could have been a mediocre film, but he gently rises it above that category, along with Karin Booth who is his love interest. The story is simple; a ruthless gang want to take over the town ( the very poor sets did not make it worthwhile, but then I do not think a lot of money was given to this film ) and Sterling Hayden makes sure that justice is done. There is a good subplot concerning his dead mother which is woven into this 70 odd minutes, and disliked as a ' top gun ' Hayden is, despite his bravery, not welcomed at first into returning to the town. This is where his mother's death is cleverly added on to the suspense. I like the film. It is in many ways well directed, but still falls heavily into the B-category of Western, due to the sets and a few stereotyped minor roles, poorly acted. But worth seeing for Sterling's magic at not ' acting ' at all, and yet giving a performance that stands alongside his other, better films. A final mention again for Karin Booth whose performance was, in my opinion, excellent.