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Firecreek (1968)

1968 • 1h 44m • Western • NR
On September 22, 2026
#179513984
17951st by Pulse movie online
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All reviews

John Chard on Firecreek

7/10 · Nov 17, 2018

It’s a principle I came to understand early on: someone deserving of a bullet is also deserving of death. Vincent McEveety directed Firecreek, which Calvin Clements Sr. wrote. James Stewart and Henry Fonda are in the cast, with music by Alfred Newman and cinematography from William H. Clothier. This Technicolor/Panavision film presents Stewart as Johnny Cobb, the part-time sheriff of Firecreek, who must take action when a gang led by Bob Larkin, played by Fonda, descends upon the town and causes trouble. It’s a movie for those who enjoy classic Westerns—a picture made for fans by performers who previously contributed so much to the genre. The narrative feels like a return to the previous decade, even echoing elements of the excellent High Noon. It's visually striking thanks to Clothier’s cinematography, and with a solid supporting cast alongside the reliable leads, it’s a worthwhile production. The filmmakers avoided the usual sentimental Western tropes, which is commendable. While the plot follows familiar ground, it has a dark and somber feel. Sexual harassment, vigilantism, bullying, and revenge are all factors in Firecreek's problems, with Stewart and Fonda portraying a conflicted lawman and a composed antagonist, respectively. Throughout, Newman provides an atmospheric score. Does the film offer enough to justify its length? Not really; there are pacing problems, and viewers who crave action will have to wait until the final act for excitement. Cutting about fifteen minutes wouldn’t have been difficult, as some scenes don't add anything to the story. However, it remains a gem—if you’re ready for a deliberately slow-moving Western with intelligent dialogue and strong acting, then enjoyable entertainment is on offer. 7.5/10

Source on TMDB

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