The Sheepman

This was always one of my favourites when I was a kid and it still doesn't disappoint after all these years. Don't let the unlikely title put you off, this is a very well put together traditional western, comedic without being an out and out comedy, it still manages to generate some tension at the appropriate times. With some clever dialogue and well constructed action sequences. Glenn Ford is ideal for the lead role, an articulate and initially underestimated stranger in town, in a similar vein to Jimmy Stewart's Tom Destry in "Destry Rides Again". Shirley MacLaine is well suited to the tomboy daughter of the silver haired cattle baron role. Leslie Neilson gets to show off his serious side to good effect as the slippery villain. And there is a strong supporting cast, including Edgar Buchanan as the archetypal western old timer, Mickey Shaunessy as the comic heavy and Pedro Gonzalez Gonzalez is the little Mexican sidekick. Slim Pickens delivers a memorable cameo as the Sherriff who goes fishing whenever there's trouble. And few can do swarthy gun slinger better than Pernell Roberts. My only complaint was the poor picture quality of the DVD. Other than that, highly recommended.