Based on the Elmore Leonard short story The Captives, this is the second western in a run of six amazing collaborations between director Budd Boetticher and star Randolph Scott, known as the "Ranown Series" (the name coming from a merging of Scott's ... (read more) Based on the Elmore Leonard short story The Captives, this is the second western in a run of six amazing collaborations between director Budd Boetticher and star Randolph Scott, known as the "Ranown Series" (the name coming from a merging of Scott's first name and producer Harry Joe Brown's last name, which served as the name of their production company, Ranown Pictures).
Like all of the Boetticher/Scott pictures, the plot is lean (Scott is taken hostage along with the daughter of a wealthy owner of a copper mine [Maureen O'Sullivan] who is being held for ransom by a trio of killers led by a menacing Richard Boone) but the characterizations are multi-layerd and complex.
We are never given a reason why Scott lives on a large ranch all alone and without a wife, which makes his character all the more interesting, and despite the fact that Boone portrays a remorseless thief (he never actually kills anyone but has two men to his dirty work for him) his intentions are ultimately for a better, quieter, and simpler way of life, much like Scott's character.
The films of Budd Boetticher may be classed simply as low budget B pictures, but there is more going on in their scant 75 minute running times than the majority of large-scale A-list Hollywood releases. And they are alot more entertaining as well.

It starts off goofy and gets incredibly dark and twisted. Grabs you by the throat and holds you till the bitter end. Fascinating stuff, and I'm going to stop with the wise cracks at Randolph Scotts expense.

Budd Boetticher and Randolph Scott made seven excellent westerns together. This is, perhaps, the best.
Finally available on DVD. Hooray!

Absolutely nothing wrong with this western, apart from the outcome being extremely inevitable. The characters were good, particularly Boone's respectful villain.

Excellent Boetticher western with Randolph Scott and Richard Boone on top form as tough ramrod and bad guy respectively. Nice turn from a young Henry Silva too as wild gun-hand Chink. The script is peppered with nasty elements, particularly aimed at ... (read more) Excellent Boetticher western with Randolph Scott and Richard Boone on top form as tough ramrod and bad guy respectively. Nice turn from a young Henry Silva too as wild gun-hand Chink. The script is peppered with nasty elements, particularly aimed at O'Sullivan, and it's underlying blackness is what helps it elevate it from the average.

A brilliant, entertaining, intelligent psychological western featuring superb performances from the great Randolph Scott, Maureen O'Sullivan and the ever-villainous Richard Boone. The date listed for the film is incorrect by the way; it was made in ... (read more) A brilliant, entertaining, intelligent psychological western featuring superb performances from the great Randolph Scott, Maureen O'Sullivan and the ever-villainous Richard Boone. The date listed for the film is incorrect by the way; it was made in 1957 not 1947.

My father's favorite western actor is also the most underrated even though he made a ton of them. 8/10

I have no idea why this movie is called "The Tall T," but if you can get past that it's really quite a good Western. The relationship between Scott and Boone, the head outlaw, is nicely done -- though deadly adversaries Boone develops a grudging resp... (read more) I have no idea why this movie is called "The Tall T," but if you can get past that it's really quite a good Western. The relationship between Scott and Boone, the head outlaw, is nicely done -- though deadly adversaries Boone develops a grudging respect for Scott that keeps things interesting. Also features a nice atypical love interest (i.e., age appropriate, lol).

An awesome "B-Western" featuring this immortal exchange of dialogue:
"How old are you, Billy?"
"I don't know. Young, mostly."