A small-town Western drama centered around Randolph Scott unfolds in “Decision at Sundown.” Two former Confederates—Randolph Scott and Noah Beery Jr.—arrive in Sundown just as the town boss (John Carroll) is preparing for his wedding. The man playing Scott holds a grudge, believing that Carroll’s character was responsible for someone's death years before. Andrew Duggan portrays the corrupt sheriff. “Decision at Sundown” (1957) includes familiar Western elements: a mysterious newcomer, his friendly companion, an overbearing town leader, a dishonest lawman, hired guns, a virtuous young woman, a less-than-virtuous one, and a quaint setting populated by typical characters—the barber, the doctor, the preacher, among others. These are all standard features of traditional Westerns. What elevates “Decision at Sundown” is the complexity added to the hero and villain. The antagonist embodies the usual town boss figure with his paid-off sheriff and enforcers who dominate the populace. The protagonist is a typical quiet outsider seeking vengeance. However, Bart Allison (Scott) isn't as straightforward as he initially appears; he’s a noble but troubled man. He seems oblivious to flaws in his wife’s character. Events that occur while Bart is away at war reveal aspects of his past and prompt questions about the kind of husband he was. While his adherence to rules might earn him respect, it also pushes people away who know him well. Tate Kimbrough (Carroll) is a ruthless town boss, but he possesses undeniable charm and appeal to women. He maintains an open relationship with Ruby (Valerie French), while simultaneously planning to marry the respectable Lucy (Karen Steele). Furthermore, he doesn’t hesitate to have affairs with married women. Yet, he remains likable, composed, and strong—someone who understands and appreciates women, even being honest about his questionable morals. His charm is so powerful that even the virtuous Lucy admits she was drawn to him; it's easy to imagine Errol Flynn or Clark Gable in the role. These distinctions make “Decision at Sundown” a worthwhile experience, though they can’t disguise the fact that it's essentially a Western soap opera lacking the captivating quality of "Rio Bravo" (1959). The film has a running time of one hour and seventeen minutes and was filmed in Agoura, California. GRADE: C+/B-

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