W2TCH

Gunpoint (1966)

1966 • 1h 26m • Western • NR
On October 4, 2026
#56893
56893rd by Pulse movie online
1.4PULSEPulse MeterOur daily Pulse Meter measures public activity and popularity signals across the web.How it works →

All reviews

John Chard on Gunpoint

8/10 · Sep 6, 2019

It’s generally not wise to try and even things out! Gunpoint comes from director Earl Bellamy and was written by Mary and Willard Willingham, featuring Audie Murphy, Joan Staley, Warren Stevens, Edgar Buchanan, Denver Pyle, David Macklin, Nick Dennis, and Royal Dano. Hans J. Salter composed the music, and William Margulies handled the Technicolor cinematography. The film is set in early 1880s Colorado, where lawlessness runs rampant, largely due to The Drago Gang’s ability to commit crimes and then escape to their haven in New Mexico. Standing against them is the sheriff of Lodgepole, Chad Lucas (Murphy), who isn't willing to back down without a struggle. Some people believe that Audie Murphy’s Western films from the 1960s aren’t as strong as his earlier work from the 1950s—and for the most part, they are correct. The decade brought about changes in the Western genre; soon, Spaghetti Westerns would offer something fresh, and revisionist Westerns weren't far behind. Many of Murphy’s films from the 60s suffered because of limited budgets and a struggle against these shifting trends, so one just has to hope there is enough entertainment value to make them worthwhile. Gunpoint presents a mixed experience, showcasing both the strengths and weaknesses of Audie’s Western output during that period. Murphy delivers a performance his fans will appreciate, supported by a dependable cast of familiar Western actors. The stunt work is well-executed, with plenty of action sequences—including property damage, horse chases, and gunfights—and the location photography in Utah (St. George/Snow Canyon State Park) is beautiful. There’s also an enjoyable vintage locomotive to be seen. The story isn't particularly sophisticated, though a plot twist that reveals the hero has a history of bullying—which introduces some emotional complexity—is a clever touch. Unfortunately, this good quality is countered by noticeable shortcomings like flimsy rear projection and props made from polystyrene, which while evoking nostalgia, also highlight how far these productions had fallen. Nevertheless, it's not a complete waste of time; the film contains all the familiar elements that fans of Audie and classic "B" Westerns from the 1950s will enjoy. It earns a rating of 6.5/10.

Source on TMDB