Cheap Angel and the Badman (DVD) (John Wayne, Gail Russell, Harry Carey) (James Edward Grant) Price

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Customer Reviews of Angel and the Badman

The spiritual themes and qualities that imbue the lives of the film's charitable Quaker family are irresistible and give the film its special charm. Gail Russell, in her radiant prime, is immortalized in the role of Penny, the Quaker daughter who is willing to abandon her sheltered life for Wayne, but not her principles. Often a silent performance- her eyes communicate deeply what's in her heart. She brings a thoughtful, heartfelt presence to the film that is unforgettable, and nearly steals every scene she's in. John Wayne is also in top form and demonstrates his understated comedic talent here better than ever. (There's plenty of humorous scenes sprinkled throughout the film. Even the bad guys wry humor and sarcasm make for comic moments)

Harry Carey plays a dogged, Columbo like lawman who is shadowing Wayne, looking for a good excuse to "hang him with a new rope", a fitting honor on account of how much he respects him. Dialogue is excellent with some memorable one-liners like the reference to Wayne as a fellow who has "closed the eyes of many a man, and opened the eyes of many a woman".

The story has good episodic development, with interesting plot twists and timely changes of pace that allow the film to stand up to repeat viewings. Even the obligatory bar room brawl and ultimate showdown are set up uniquely and carried out in a refreshing manner. And did I mention Gail Russell? Check out the timeless scene of her tending to the lamb in the barn. Lord have mercy. I'm ready for farmer school.

Quakers and John Wayne...
Who would think these two would mix? As a Quaker, I'm always looking for videos and books to add to the family library, ones that are interesting and lively, not ones that make you yawn.

This movie will fit the ticket! John Wayne is himself - or at least the character he plays. The Quaker family portrayed here has life, especially the charming Gail Russell as the love interest. Wayne's character has to evolve, moving from the way he's always done his problem-solving (guns and shoot 'em ups) to a new way that could bring him a longer, more peaceful life.

A good movie for many different kinds of folks to enjoy!

The chased and the chaste
The first shot of a character in a movie often tells you quite a bit about them, and Gail Russell has a doozy of a first shot in THE ANGEL AND THE BADMAN. While the title is running an unidentified cowboy is being chased and shot at by another group of cowboys. Although he evades them, his horse stumbles and he falls to the ground. Thomas Worth (John Halloran) and daughter Penelope (Gail Russell) are nearby. Thomas jumps off the cart they're riding and rushes to the fallen stranger. He calls to Penelope to come here, quick, and she whips the horses into a quick gallop.
The first center-framed image in the film is of Penelope in the cart, shot from far below, standing tall with a dark and troubled sky framing her ethereal beauty. There is something, this shot tells us, that is majestic and strong about her. It's a beautiful shot.
The injured cowboy is Quirt Evans (John Wayne), the Badman. This being Wayne, and this being a film from a different era, you'll have to take his Bad-ness with a grain of salt. When the Worth's announce they're going to tend to the injured cowboy, a bystander tells them he'd "as soon have a black powder bomb in my house."
The Worth's are Quakers, and the movie convincingly traces the developing love between Quirt and Penelope. Not so convincing is the interest the Law, Marshall Wistful McClintock (Harry Carey) and the Bad Guys show in Quirt. They have to be there, I guess, because Evans will have to renounce the gun or renounce the girl. They have to be there, but the sub-plots are half-cooked.
What would thee do if thee were pitching woo at a Quaker beauty? Probably pretty much the same thing Wayne did - bounce a baby in your arms, pick a few blackberries, and leave your guns behind at the worst possible times.
For an action movie this one is a little too wordy. The Marshall and the doctor (Tom Powers) are given pages and pages of script to read. What action there is - particularly the stampede and the cart chase - are well choreographed.
THE ANGEL AND THE BADMAN is good clean fun, pleasant enough for all audiences.