A Quick Look: GUNSLINGER (1956 - color)

    Although Roger Corman made a handful of horse operas, the one he'll always be remembered for is GUNSLINGER. GUNSLINGER is the brisk tale of a widowed woman who takes on the responsibility of wearing her deceased husband's tin star. Her efforts to clean up the town don't sit well with the local saloon owner, who hires a bounty killer to slaughter the lady sheriff. Law-lady and outlaw instead fall in love with each other, yet remain duty bound. Sharp little oater is matinee fluff with some real dramatic meat. Corman is helped out greatly by a strong cast. Beverly Garland is the widow, the late William Shallert her husband. John Ireland, who had earlier done THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS with Roger, is the gunslinger. Allison Hayes is the saloon owner working all the angles. The whole Garland vs Hayes spectacle no doubt kept this one in people's memories! 

   (The title could easily be confused with the 90's video feature THE GUNSLINGER, starring evangelist Kenneth Copeland as a reformed-outlaw-turned-U.S. Marshall who loses his memory and ends up riding with his old gang. This one is also worth a look. The eye for period detail is mighty impressive for a video feature. Followed by two sequels. I haven't seen the third film, but the second one -COVENANT RIDER- showed major improvements in the craft of movie-making and is also recommended. I think there may've even been a TV spin-off at one point.)