Pearl, you’re an embodiment of temptation's allure. Duel in the Sun was primarily directed by King Vidor and produced and written by David O. Selznick, who adapted (with assistance from H.P. Garrett & Ben Hecht) from Niven Busch's novel. The film stars Jennifer Jones, Joseph Cotten, Gregory Peck, Lillian Gish, and Lionel Barrymore; it also features a large supporting cast including Herbert Marshall, Walter Huston, Charles Bickford, and Harry Carey. The story centers on Pearl Chavez (Jones), a half-Indian girl who becomes an orphan after her father murders her mother and her lover. Afterward, she goes to live with an old sweetheart and friend of her father’s, Laura Belle McCanles (Gish), where she gets caught up in prejudice and forbidden love that disrupts the McCanles family. David O. Selznick had hoped to replicate, or even surpass, the success he achieved with Gone With the Wind seven years earlier, but set in a Western landscape. The film was plagued by controversy both on and off screen; despite negative reviews, it proved successful at the box office. It’s thought that due to high production costs and an expensive advertising campaign, the film only managed to break even financially. Controversy arose from the story's sexual themes, which earned the movie its famous "Lust In The Dust" nickname. However, if not for censorship from the Hays Code and religious review boards, the film would have been considerably more controversial; scenes involving rape were removed, and overt sexuality was toned down. Off-screen controversy involved Selznick's relationship with Jones, a pairing that led to the dissolution of both their marriages. The part of Pearl was initially intended for Hedy Lamarr, and Teresa Wright was also considered, but both women became pregnant. This gave Selznick an opportunity to feature Jones prominently in the film, pushing her into the leading role with considerable pressure. Eight directors, three writers, three cinematographers, and four editors were ultimately used (as far as we know). Production challenges included bad weather, strikes, and illness affecting Jones. It’s remarkable that the film was completed at all. It's a peculiar film in many respects, but it seems to have been unfairly criticized by contemporary reviewers. That isn't to say it's a classic Western masterpiece, because it isn't. But if you view it as an entertaining Western where Selznick pushed boundaries as much as he could, then it’s not bad at all. The cast certainly appears to be treating it as a fun project, especially Walter Huston in his over-the-top portrayal of the minister, The Sinkiller. Viewed without expecting serious melodrama, Duel In The Sun provides some enjoyable entertainment. Granted, not all of it is intentional; for example, the ending feels absurd and comical rather than dramatic. Nevertheless, the film remains entertaining. The action sequences are well done, with memorable moments including Jones riding a runaway horse, hundreds of mounted riders defending grumpy Jackson McCanles’ (Barrymore) land against railroad encroachment, and Peck (playing a sexually rebellious character) taming a sexually charged stallion (even the horse seems to understand what's expected). The film also boasts expansive Western landscapes, rendered in vibrant Technicolor. Terms like “beautiful” and “sordid” come to mind—words that aptly describe the film as a whole. The strongest performances are found within the supporting cast, with Bickford, Huston, Gish, and Butterfly McQueen all delivering solid work. Jones feels somewhat miscast, burdened by being the focus of the story (and Selznick’s attention), but she deserves credit for attempting to make the mediocre writing work. She certainly looks beautiful, and in quieter moments, a talented actress shines through. Peck, originally intended to be played by John Wayne—who declined due to the plot's sexuality—brings energy to the role, although he never fully convinces as a sexual force. Cotton is shortchanged because his character is poorly developed; given that the story is essentially based on Cain & Abel, he deserved better. Barrymore performs reliably and his only shortcoming is not being as good as his onscreen wife. Dimitri Tiomkin provides a competent but unremarkable musical score. Fun, sexy, with occasional daring plot elements, Duel In The Sun is better than some would have you believe. Perhaps it’s best viewed with a sense of amusement and a touch of irony? 7/10

Source on TMDB