The Tall T

The Tall T is a 1957 American Western film directed by Budd Boetticher and starring Randolph Scott, Richard Boone, and Maureen O'Sullivan. Adapted by Burt Kennedy from the 1955 short story "The Captives" by Elmore Leonard, the film is about an independent former ranch foreman who is kidnapped along with an heiress, who is being held for ransom by three ruthless outlaws.[1] In 2000, The Tall T was selected for the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant." [2][3]

The Tall T
Theatrical release poster
Directed byBudd Boetticher
Produced byHarry Joe Brown
Screenplay byBurt Kennedy
Based on"The Captives"
1955 novelette in Argosy Magazine
by Elmore Leonard
Starring
Music byHeinz Roemheld
CinematographyCharles Lawton Jr.
Edited byAl Clark
Color processTechnicolor
Production
company
Producers-Actors Corporation
Scott-Brown Productions
Distributed byColumbia Pictures
Release date
  • April 2, 1957 (1957-04-02) (US)
Running time
78 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Plot

Passing a stagecoach way station on his journey into town, Pat Brennan agrees to return with some store bought candy for the friendly station manager's young son. At a ranch where he once worked, Brennan tries to buy a bull, but is talked into riding one. If he wins, he gets the bull. If he loses he has to give up his horse. Brennan loses, and is forced to walk home, carrying his saddle.

He gets a welcome rescue by stagecoach driver Rintoon, a friend of Brennan's from town who has been hired to transport the newlyweds Willard and Doretta Mims. Doretta is a plain woman, but the daughter of the richest man in the state. It tickles Brennan, who tells Rintoon this is the first time he's ever been on a honeymoon.

When they stop at the way station, they are mistaken for the regular stage by three outlaws, Chink, Billy Jack, and their leader, Frank Usher, who have already killed the station manager and his son. Rintoon goes for a shotgun, only to be killed by Chink.

Terrified of sharing the same fate, Willard suggests to the outlaws that ransoming his wife would be far more profitable than robbing the stage. Frank likes the idea. He also immediately recognizes, and is disgusted by, the groom's clear lack of devotion to his bride.

The outlaw leader takes a liking to Brennan, later telling him that under different circumstances the two of them might have been friends. After ordering Billy Jack to ride along with Willard and deliver a ransom note demanding $50,000 to Doretta's father, Frank takes the woman and Brennan to a remote hideout. Willard returns, saying his father-in-law has agreed and is rounding up the money. Willard is told he is no longer needed and can leave. A coward, he does not even bother to say goodbye to his new wife, which deepens Frank's disgust for him. As Willard begins to ride off, Chink shoots him down.

Brennan knows full well that he and Doretta will end up dead once the ransom is paid. He tells the distraught widow to collect herself and be ready to take any opportunity for life that presents itself. He then takes her in his arms. She hesitates, then kisses him. She confesses she married Willard because she was getting older and did not want to be alone.

Billy Jack and Chink are left behind to guard the hostages while Frank goes off to collect the money. Brennan plants the thought that their ringleader might just ride off with all the money, so Chink leaves the camp to keep an eye on Frank. Brennan suggests to Billy Jack that he take advantage of Doretta, a lonely woman denied even her wedding night. Billy Jack does indeed try to force himself on Doretta, whereupon Brennan overpowers him and shoots him dead.

Chink hears the shots and turns back. Brennan kills him. Frank then returns with the money. Brennan sneaks up behind him, so Frank surrenders his revolver and the money, gambling that Brennan will not shoot him in the back. He slowly mounts his horse and rides off. However, he has a rifle stowed in his saddle, so he pulls it and turns around; he tries to confront and kill Brennan, who is forced to kill the outlaw. Walking away, side by side, Doretta reaches for Brennan's arm, which he places around her.

Cast

Awards and nominations

The film is recognized by American Film Institute in these lists:

Home media

In 2008 a DVD box set of five Budd Boetticher films starring Randolph Scott was released. Along with The Tall T the set includes Buchanan Rides Alone, Decision at Sundown, Ride Lonesome, and Comanche Station.[5]

See also

References
  1. "The Tall T". Internet Movie Database. Retrieved October 16, 2012.
  2. "Complete National Film Registry Listing | Film Registry | National Film Preservation Board | Programs at the Library of Congress | Library of Congress". Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. 20540 USA. Retrieved 2020-05-12.
  3. "Librarian Announces National Film Registry Selections (March 7, 1994) - Library of Congress Information Bulletin". www.loc.gov. Retrieved 2020-05-12.
  4. "AFI's 10 Top 10 Nominees" (PDF). Archived from the original on 2011-07-16. Retrieved 2016-08-19.CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  5. Zacharek, Stephanie (2 November 2008). "THE FILMS OF BUDD BOETTICHER 1957-60". New York Times. p. 16L – via Gale.
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