Cast
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John Ericson
as Jack Slade
Mari Blanchard
as Texas Rose
Neville Brand
as Harry
Angie Dickinson
as Polly
Max Showalter
as Billy Wilcox
Jon Shepodd
as Johnny Turner
Howard Petrie
as Joseph Ryan
John Dennis
as Kid Stanley
Donna Drew
as Laughing Sam
Michael Ross
as Little Blue Raven
Lyla Graham
as Abilene
Raymond Bailey
as Professor
Alan Wells
as George Hagen
Burt Mustin
as Gunsmith
Crew
Director
- Harold D. Schuster
Writer
- Warren Douglas
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Western/Action film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, The Return of Jack Slade distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Harold D. Schuster 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 1955, 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 The Return of Jack Slade took approximately 32 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 79 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 127 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1285 individual shots.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 4 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1955, when this film was released:
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Return of Jack Slade shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Giant, which focuses more on action than character development, The Return of Jack Slade offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Cheyenne Cowboy and Ring of the Nibelungs explore similar territory, The Return of Jack Slade stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 9, 1955
- Runtime: 1h 19m
