Budapest Classic Film Marathon: Day of the Outlaw

Director: André de Toth

Written by Lee L. Wells
Screenplay by Philip Yordan
Director of photography: Russel Harlan
Music by Alexander Courage
Cast: Robert Ryan, Burl Ives, Tina Louise

Tóth Endre | André de Toth

Introduction: Gergő V Nagy, screenwriter, dramaturg, film critic

From the very first frames it is evident that this film is part of the western sub-genre known as snow-westerns, and in this way it is closely associated with the brilliant spaghetti western The Great Silence, but also The Hateful Eight and The Revenant. It is not a stretch to claim that this film is a kind of precursor to Tarantino cinema due to the narrow, enclosed spaces and people who are laws unto themselves. The basis of the conflict is set down in the very first dialogue: “Do you think the barbed wire is sufficient reason to make a widow out of Crane’s wife?” the question is put to the hero, Blaise Starrett. And although the masterful dialogue (“we meet once or twice a year, I call you Mr. Starett, you call me Ms. Crane, that is our future” says Helen) foreshadows a tragic ending, still what the viewer expects does not actually come about as soon as Jack Bruhn and his gang appear.

More information about the Budapest Classic Film Marathon's program in Uránia >>