Joseph H. Lewis achieved prominence with low-budget Westerns and film noir, but whether this Sterling Hayden vehicle serves as a suitable culmination to his career or a disconnected point is hard to determine. It’s frequently strange, even peculiar, and its surreal qualities sometimes overshadow the predictable elements of the standard Western storyline. The story unfolds in Prairie City, Texas, centering on George Hanson (Hayden), a Swedish whaler who returns after 19 years to discover his father has been killed. As he investigates with unwavering resolve, he finds that corruption permeates the legal system and a ruthless landowner named McNeil (Sebastian Cabot), supported by hired gun Johnny Crale (Ned Young), is responsible for his father's death. It seems oil lies beneath the land, and McNeil is using intimidation to acquire property at unfairly low prices. But did he expect George to be forgiving? Or easily intimidated? He and Crale are in for surprises. Filmed in stark black and white, Lewis’ film highlights the ongoing conflict between decency and greed. There are memorable villains and well-developed characters among the town's respectable citizens, including those on the fringes of Hanson’s struggle (note Victor Millan’s portrayal of a struggling Mexican farmer and Carol Kelly’s depiction of Crale’s disillusioned girlfriend). What about Hayden’s performance? It’s captivating, although hampered by the need to attempt a Swedish accent and wearing an ill-fitting suit. It's hard to know if he is connecting with the film’s unusual tone or simply going through the motions while Lewis observes from behind the camera. Regardless, Hayden delivers a character that inspires our support. Hanson embodies goodness and intention; we long for him to triumph over the gluttonous landowner and the ruthless outlaw. The production has some complicated background details. While the script was officially credited to Ben Perry, it was actually written by Dalton Trumbo, who was then blacklisted. Hayden faced scrutiny from the House of Un-American Activities Committee, acknowledging past communist ties while also naming names. Lewis wasn’t directly involved in this controversy but remained close friends with Ned Young, who was blacklisted for invoking the Fifth Amendment. Young's influence extended to persuading Lewis to direct the film. It was a remarkable period in American history. *Terror In A Texas Town* is distinctive and unusual, possessing enough merit to justify an evening’s viewing. Its appeal deepens with subsequent viewings as one embraces its eccentricities. 7.5/10

Source on TMDB