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Coming
out in the late, hip Sixties, Five Card Stud looks to have been a last ditch
attempt to capitalize on the waning popularity of the western. To further
bolster their chances of success, Dean Martin of The Rat Pack fame was culled
to be the lead cowboy in the film. This is not in any way a Western
Movie.
This is going to happen quickly, so don't blink because Five Card
Stud is a movie that can be quickly and easily summarized. Van Morgan (Dean
Martin) is perhaps the best gambler in the West; he's definitely the best
gambler in the town of Rincon. One night, Van and six locals are playing some
five card stud when it is discovered that the newcomer in the game is cheating.
Everyone is as mad as a rattler and soon a hanging party is formed. Van tries
to stop the execution but is knocked out by Nick Evers (Roddy McDowell), a
player at the game and leader of this lynch mob. When Van regains
consciousness, he sadly realizes that he failed to prevent the murder of the
cheater. Being uncomfortable with staying in Rincon, he leaves for Denver to
try his gambling skills in the big city.
Things happen quickly in
Rincon. No sooner has Van left when gold is discovered in them nearby hills,
and with gold comes a flock of newcomers to town including Reverend Jonathon
Rudd (Robert Mitchum) |
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| The very next day,
two more men and found murdered. The sheriff is at a loss and the residents are
getting afraid. News of the murders makes its way to the Denver newspaper where
Van reads the story. He realizes that the two dead men were members of that
fateful lynch mob. Knowing he could be a target, he decides to venture back to
Rincon because it's better to confront danger head on. Van's instincts are
right for he quick figures out that someone is out for revenge as, one by one,
members of the hanging party are being killed. Who is the murderer? Why is
he/she killing the card players? Will Van be killed or will he find the killer?
Will Van find true love in Rincon? Will Roddy do any monkey impressions? Will
Dean break out into song? |
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This movie has all
your favorite cowboy clichés: the telegraphed punches, the swagger, the
poker games, the piano in the bar, and the fire and brimstone sermon by the
preacher.
IBecause of the layer of comedy in this film, I recommend
Five Card Stud. There isn't much of a mystery, but you'll enjoy the cheap jabs
made at Dean's expense and his light-footed interaction with the ladies. The
gunfights aren't too bad either; and, if I recall, something blows up quite
nicely too. A nice atypical Western for those of you who enjoy this genre.
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| Director |
Henry
Hathaway |
Dean
Martin |
Van
Morgan |
| Writing |
Ray
Gaulden |
Robert Mitchum |
The Rev.
Jonathan Rudd |
| Cinematography |
Daniel
L. Fapp |
Inger
Stevens |
Lily
Langford |
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Top
Quote From This Movie
"You saved my life. I owe you so name it."
"Come to sermons for the next month."
"That's a steep price for just my
life." |
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