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The Man From Laramie Customer Reviews (10 - 12 of 17 Reviews)

A Spectacular Stereo Western Drama
This has got to be one of the best western plots ever filmed. Unlike so many others in the genre, "The Man From Laramie" has a complex and interesting conflict as its center. Many have compared it to "King Lear" and the main story line does resemble the subplot of Gloucester and his two sons. Whether the Shakespeare connection is intentional or not, it works extremely well.

Partly responsible for the film's success are its stars: James Stewart is good as usual, while Arthur Kennedy, Donald Crisp and Aline McMahon really stand out in their characterizations. Anthony Mann's directing is tight and uncompromising. The picture never lags once and there are many strongly dramatic moments, some even a bit shocking for 1955.

The film was photographed with artistry, and the DVD issue does it justice. Several scenes are beautifully balanced and dramatically expressive. There is a wonderful wide-screen, panoramic look that comes across quite well. The real surprise is the audio. This 1955 movie has a full-bodied stereo soundtrack! The musical score may not be one the all-time greats, but it is often very effective, and on this disc it fills the viewing space with excitement. Highly recommended, even to Western non-fans.

For extras: only the original trailer and a very poorly presented original poster.

One of the five great Westerns.
I think that the Man from Laramie is Anthony Mann's best film and one of the top five Westerns of all time. Who is really Donald Crisp's real (spritual) son -- Alex Nicol (his biological son), Arthur Kennedy (his quasi-adopted son), or James Stewart (the stranger he fears in his dreams)? This film has obvious allusions to King Lear. When I first saw it I was deeply moved and frightened. It is a very profound and spiritual film. Give it a chance -- it's an overlooked gem of the cinema.

poor colorization
Originally saw this film in Black and White. This colorized version is poor at the best; spend the time and effort to find the B/W; the hokie-ness detracts from the movie itself.

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