Gunman's Walk

Teen sensation Tab Hunter wasn't exactly noted for his acting prowess, but he delivers a very creditable performance in this character Western as the trigger-happy son only too eager to be a wildcatter like pioneer daddy Heflin. Unfortunately, frontier life has moved on since it was being staked out in blood and bullets. Wearing a six-shooter is now frowned on in the town Heflin helped build, while quietly spoken son Darren's developing relationship with half-breed Grant is one indicator of shifting values. As Hunter's murderous intent to prove his mettle provokes an inexorable confrontation with the father who created this monster, Karlson allows us sympathy for these men caught up in the gears of history, yet leaves us in no doubt of the inexorability of change. Look beyond the admittedly low voltage casting and there's some forceful storytelling here.