I never realized what a scene-stealer ROBERT RYAN could be until I saw THE NAKED SPUR. Although JAMES STEWART is the nominal big name star, it's Ryan's charming, snake-like villain who dominates this rugged western despite strong performances from the entire cast. He obviously relishes his role and is a joy to watch.

This is more a character study of a group of desperate losers than your average shoot 'em up western and Anthony Mann has directed it with the focus on the strong clashes between each one of them. RALPH MEEKER does an outstanding job as a war deserter who is both a help and a hindrance to the group as they seek to return outlaw Ryan to Kansas so justice can prevail. Stewart's character is given strong motivation for his deeds but Janet Leigh, as the outlaw's girlfriend, has a role that is not plausibly explained.

Photographed in Colorado's Rocky Mountains, it's a rugged kind of technicolor western that gives all of the performers physically demanding roles--and all of them are more than up to it.

Stewart, Leigh, Mitchell and Meeker are all superb--but it's Robert Ryan's devious villain that will linger longest in the memory.

I run very hot or very cold about most Westerns. In general, I don't like them because they are so formulaic and contrived but when film dares to be different, I really appreciate the efforts! This film is one such different film--as the plot and acting help to elevate it above the mediocre.

While Janet Leigh is fine in the movie, the film really belongs to Jimmy Stewart and Robert Ryan, as they are engaged in a battle of wits as well as between right and wrong--and Leigh is the pawn. In particular, Ryan is the standout as he is one of the most menacing and rotten villains I have seen. The way he laughs really makes the blood run cold!

The only shortcoming of the picture is that the interest between Stewart and Leigh comes awful suddenly. It's kind of a movie cliché, but I could never imaging them agreeing to ride off together in the end. It was just too easy a conclusion. Still, it's a heck of a film. Give it a try--the action may be less than some Westerns (there's no shoot out in the town square or silly sidekicks) but it really struggled to raise itself above the norm.

The Naked Spur is another fine western put together by the team of Director Anthony Mann and player James Stewart. Spectacular location photography in the Rocky Mountains lend a ring of authenticity to the story.

That story being Stewart as a bounty hunter on the trail of outlaw/killer Robert Ryan who has a girl a long with him in the attractive form of Janet Leigh. Getting Ryan proves too much so he has to enlist the aid of prospector Millard Mitchell and army deserter Ralph Meeker.

Getting Ryan and Leigh back to collect the reward makes up the bulk of the film. Ryan is one evil, but very sly rogue as he works to turn the men against each other. His is the best performance in a small cast of seasoned performers each of one is fine in his/her part.

The final shoot out is a really well done climax of the story. Alliances shift and not everyone is among the living when the film is over. In fact the title of the picture gives a hint of how James Stewart uses a spur in a unique manner against Ryan.

For fans of westerns and I think non-western fans will find the drama and interaction among the characters entertaining.