Firecreek is a good, sturdy and occasionally powerful little Western.
80
The Observer (UK)
The Observer (UK)
Superior social western in which a torpid backwater community and its irresolute part-time sheriff (James Stewart) are redeemed and revivified through a menacing visit by ageing outlaw Henry Fonda's gang. Weathered oldtimers Dean Jagger, Ed Begley, Jack Elam and Jay C Flippen provide authenticity. Excellent photography by William Clothier. [15 May 2005, p.91]
80
Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times
An excellent but often overlooked 1968 Western about a kindly sheriff (James Stewart) battling a gang of bad guys, with Henry Fonda playing the chief villain. [03 Jun 1994, p.F22]
75
Chicago Sun-TimesRoger Ebert
Chicago Sun-TimesRoger Ebert
The tension we need to draw us into the story isn't there; things move at too leisurely a pace, and the movie, like the Jimmy Stewart hero, has to be dragged into the excitement against its will.
60
The Telegraph
The Telegraph
Late in James Stewart's career he made this sturdy western, the beauty of which lies in its simplicity. [09 Jul 2016, p.32]
There are only short bursts of action in between nearly endless talk in the Clements script. Despite a huge cast of very competent actors the film misses the mark.
50
Philadelphia Inquirer
Philadelphia Inquirer
Shy sheriff Stewart comes up against mobster Fonda and his gang of outlaws; not as good as this pairing should have been. [02 Jun 1994, p.E04]
42
Portland OregonianTed Mahar
Portland OregonianTed Mahar
Slow, contrived and monotonously grim. [18 Aug 2006, p.45]