Cast
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Allan Lane
as Rocky Lane
Black Jack
as Rocky's Horse
Eddy Waller
as Nugget Clark
James Nolan
as Shad
Gail Davis
as Trudy Clark
William Henry
as Keith Ames
Harry Harvey
as Vinson McKnight
Mauritz Hugo
as Tony Richards
George Chesebro
as Wagon Driver Sam
Forrest Taylor
as Lester Clark
George Lloyd
as George
Lane Bradford
as Snake Richards
Crew
Director
- R.G. Springsteen
Writer
- Robert Creighton Williams
Producer
- Gordon Kay
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Death Valley Gunfighter represents a fascinating example of Western cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director R.G. Springsteen brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1949, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Death Valley Gunfighter took approximately 13 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 60 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 109 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
- The musical score contains over 75 unique compositions.
- The screenplay went through 13 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1949, when this film was released:
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Death Valley Gunfighter shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Riders of Death Valley, which focuses more on action than character development, Death Valley Gunfighter offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Death Valley Rangers and 20 Mule Team explore similar territory, Death Valley Gunfighter stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: March 29, 1949
- Runtime: 1h
