Utah Blaine (1957) User Reviews

A new breed of homesteader for a western

[bkoganbing · 6/10 · 15 August 2014]

Rory Calhoun plays the title role in Utah Blaine a film based on a Louis L'Amour novel, a range war story with a different twist.

In this film it's the homesteaders who are the villains. But these homesteaders aren't yeoman farmers or small ranchers. No in Utah Blaine Ray Teal has organized a gang of thugs who call themselves vigilantes. They can do that because the area is unorganized, the town is not official, no mayor, no town council, most important no sheriff. Teal is making war on the ranches currently there.

The film opens with Calhoun coming upon the scene of an attempted lynching which he stops. Turns out to be Ken Christy one of the owners of one of the two big spreads. When Calhoun learns that an old enemy of his George Keymas is Teal's number one gun hand that's all the convincing he needs to throw in with Christy. Doesn't hurt that he has a pretty daughter in Angela Stevens either.

This is a nicely plotted western that moves at a good pace and the unusual plot twist is an added treat. Too bad it was not shot in color, but I'm hardly complaining. A good one for western fans.

Gunsmoke on Steroids

[smhdvm · 7/10 · 3 August 2005]

The cinematography, music, storyline, sets & scenery, and plot remind me of the later episodes of Gunsmoke. Definitely 1950s "B", with television type lighting and a hidden trap door to the fake basement. However, the mostly familiar cast adds strength, and the depth of their characterization makes this western very interesting & watchable. I recommend it when there's no great "A" film available. The bad guys are not too evil, and the good guys are not saints. Snappy dialog may be in short supply, but the typical cowboy clichés are few and far between, and there's no lack of action here! Incidentally, this movie falls into the category of westerns made before John Wayne (or spaghetti), eccentric wiseacres, and every scene a colorful climax were box-office requirements. Follow the intelligent & well-written story and you realize that B&W is the perfect genre for Rory Calhoun with a 3-day beard and two six-guns blazing. My only complaint: too much gray and not enough black or white. I miss "High Noon".

One of the best B-Westerns I've ever seen

[TheUnknown837-1 · 7/10 · 3 August 2005]

Like I have with most of the Western movies I've seen, I watched the preview for this film on the Westerns Channel and decided that since it was on next and I had nothing else to do, I watched it. Rory Calhoun leads the screen and he did a fine job as Mike 'Utah' Blaine. This movie has the same kind of plot you'd expect from the old 50s B-grade Westerns, however, I say that this one is better than some of the others. The actors are a little bit better than some I've seen in other movies like this. And also, this movie has some pretty decent gunfights for its age. I found this movie to be a pretty enjoyable black-and-white Western.

"All right boys, we're going in,"

[classicsoncall · 7/10 · 5 April 2014]

There's a cool pair of Rory Calhoun Westerns currently playing on the Encore channel, this one and "The Domino Kid", both from 1957, a year prior to Calhoun's TV series debut in 'The Texan'. I guess he decided to keep the vest from both films because that was part of his attire as traveling gunslinger Bill Longley. That's one of the series I used to regularly watch as a kid along with 'Johnny Ringo' and 'Wanted:Dead or Alive'.

So here, his character is Mike 'Utah' Blaine, with a shady past and on the run from Mexico under questionable circumstances. Discreetly watching from a distance as a band of thugs intends to hang rancher Joe Neal (Ken Christy), Utah arrives in time to save the man's neck and is rewarded by the rancher with a job, and eventually, half of the sprawling 46-Connected Ranch. Blaine immediately finds himself opposite a vigilante group headed by Russ Nevers, who probably should have been portrayed by someone who wasn't typecast so much as a TV and movie sheriff, Ray Teal. Well, maybe that's just me, but I haven't seen Teal in enough bad guy roles to get used to the idea.

What was unusual to me in this picture was the fact that Utah Blaine's employer Neal was killed off screen with a throw away mention almost as an afterthought. With that, Blaine hooks up with former partner Rip Coker (Paul Langton) and Nevers' whipping boy Gus Ortmann to take it to the bad guys. Ortmann was portrayed by former heavyweight champ Max Baer, so forgive me for being skeptical to think that Rory Calhoun could actually knock him on his butt like he did in the picture. They all probably had a good laugh over that scenario.

Well you probably won't remember much of this picture like so many old Western flicks; I saw this one a week ago and it's already fading fast. I remember the fiery finale though when baddie Rink Witter (George Keymas) torched the hay wagon Utah was using for cover. That, and the coolest sounding location where Blaine told his men to hook up with him - the Big Rock at Hammerclaw Ridge. I'd like to see the place myself.

Okay Oater

[dougdoepke · 26 November 2014]

Decent programmer from the six-gun soaked 1950's. Utah Blaine's helping big ranchers keep their spreads from predatory small ranchers. What the big ranchers need is an organized town government to provide proper law enforcement. So Blaine's got his work cut out. Needless to say, the plot's an inversion of the usual big guy versus little. There's some pretty good expansive scenery even if it's limited to greater LA. The shootouts, however, are sloppily staged, but then that's par for most B-oaters where no one really aims yet the bodies always fall. And catch Calhoun decking ex-heavyweight champ Baer. Now we know why the movies are called "make believe". For guys, there's the fetching Susan Cummings with a pronounced bustline in solid, or should I say huggable, 50's fashion. Nothing special here, just a standard entry in the 50's oater sweepstakes.

Surprise! Plenty of action!

[JohnHowardReid · 7/10 · 22 November 2017]

Rory Calhoun (Utah Blaine), Susan Cummings (Angie Kinyon), Angela Stevens (Mary Blake), Max Baer (Gus Ortmann), Paul Langton (Rip Coker), George Keymas (Rink Witter), Ray Teal (Russ Nevers), Gene Roth (Tom Corey), Norman Fredric (Davis), Ken Christy (Joe Neal), Steve Darrell (Lud Fuller), Terry Frost (Gavin), Dennis Moore (Ferguson), Jack Ingram (Clel Miller).

Director: FRED F. SEARS. Screenplay: Robert E. Kent, James B. Gordon. Based on the novel by Louis L'Amour. Photography: Benjamin H. Kline. Film editor: Charles Nelson. Art director: Paul Palmentola. Set decorator: Sidney Clifford. Music composed and conducted by Ross Di Maggio. Assistant director: Willard Sheldon. Sound recording: Josh Westmoreland. Producer: Sam Katzman.

Copyright 1957 by Columbia Pictures Corp. No New York showcase. U.S. release: 1 February 1957. U.K. release: 15 April 1957. Australian release: 21 June 1957. 75 minutes. Slightly cut in the U.K. in order to qualify for a Universal Exhibition certificate.

SYNOPSIS: Utah Blaine comes to the rescue of a rancher who is menaced by a gang of land-grabbers. The rancher is so grateful to Utah, he makes him ranch foreman. Soon after, the rancher is killed by the bandits. So who does he leave his ranch to? You guessed it!

COMMENT: The direction by Fred F. Sears is efficiently but somewhat disappointingly routine; but nonetheless this is an agreeable minor western, comparatively well acted, with a fairly attractive heroine, effective use of natural locations, a little too much dialogue (but this could be trimmed), a routine but serviceable plot.

So far as western fans are concerned, the film's greatest asset is that it has plenty, but plenty of action.

The plot is the most familiar in the B-western repertoire and the characters are nothing more than a parade of familiar stereotypes, but the players bring them interestingly enough to life and the film's budget is a considerable cut above the usual Sam "Lights Out" Katzman level.

OTHER VIEWS: A brisk western with lively direction. A simple narrative gives wide scope for rough riding and fist and gun battles. The playing is adequate for the slight demands of the plot. — Monthly Film Bulletin.

Susan Cummings

[davidjanuzbrown · 7/10 · 6 January 2015]

I had never heard of Susan Cummings before but her figure sure stands out ( simply perfect). The story is about how Angie Kinyon ( Cummings), and the Title Character Utah Blaine ( Rory Calhoun), end up as Co-Owners of the 46 a huge ranch. There is a huge twist in this movie where the ranchers are the good guys and people wanting the ranch are the bad guys. The worst is a guy named Rink Witter ( George Keymas), who reminds me of LeeVan Cleef, with his look of snarling evil. Of course, you know how it ends up ( spoilers ahead), with Utah ending up with Angie sharing the ranch together. Basically Susan Cummings is what keeps this movie from being forgettable ( something that had happened with more than a few movies starring Rory Calhoun ( the exceptions being "How To Marry A Millionaire' and ' River Of No Return' ( both for Marilyn Monroe).,7/10 stars. Mostly for Susan Cummings.

What?! Vigilantes are apparently a bad thing?!

[planktonrules · 6/10 · 7 August 2021]

When the story begins, Utah (Rory Calhoun) comes upon a lynching party hanging Joe Neal. Although Utah has no idea what's going on, such 'justice' disgusts him and he saves the dying man as soon as the would-be killers leave. That is when Neal informs Utah that local jerks are trying to force out the various ranchers by using a 'vigilante committee' to enforce the law....though there is no law...just greed.

Inexplicably, although Utah Blaine has a infamous reputation as a gunman, he's the guy trying to restore law and order to this town. And, this means he needs to face down the baddies...possibly all on his own...possibly with some help if he can make some friends in this awful town.

This plot is about the most common you'll find in old westerns, particularly B-westerns. I am not so much complaining as saying it is all very familiar. After all, although familiar, Calhoun is very good in the film and I think his westerns tend to be underrated. In other words, they took an ordinary sort of plot but made it just a bit better due to the acting. Worth seeing.

By the way, if you do watch, note the final big battle in the streets of the town. Somehow with 3824 shots fired at the men on horseback, not a single horse was shot...even by the guy firing a shotgun at the men on horseback! Also note that the during Blaine's shootout at the end with the big baddie, neither apparently need to re-load their revolvers!

I Liked It

[larryasingleton · 5/10 · 26 September 2019]

I love Rory Calhoun. Especially the guns he wears in this movie. I love Westerns. Especially when it comes to the Christian values that are long gone in this country today. Two of my favorites were The Rifleman and Bonanza where you would hear frequent and "liberal" (pun intended) mentions of "God", "prayer" and "the Bible".

And when it comes to the background music in Utah Blaine, isn't that the same as what was in a Glenn Ford movie? I can't remember the name.

Quite Entertaining low budget Western

[gordonl56 · 7/10 · 30 May 2016]

UTAH BLAINE 1957

This lower budget western film was produced by Sam Katzman's Clover Productions and released through Columbia Pictures. The film stars Rory Calhoun as gunslinger Mike "Utah" Blaine. The supporting cast includes, Paul Langton, Max Baer, Ray Teal, George Keymas, Ken Christy and pretty as a picture, Susan Cummings.

In this one, Calhoun gets himself mixed up with a range war between some long time ranchers, and a gang of vigilantes. The vigilantes, led by Ray Teal, want the big ranches broken up into smaller holdings. Teal has hired himself a slew of fast guns and various other assorted trash types to help him. He promises the men all ranches of their own.

Calhoun just happens on a man, Ken Christy, who these vigilantes have left hanging from a tree. Calhoun cuts the man down after the gang left. Christy is still alive and thankful for Calhoun saving his life. Once he finds out that Calhoun is a known fast gun, he offers to pay him for help. Christy also offers a nice slice of range and a 1,000 head of cattle. Calhoun has always wanted a place of his own and agrees.

Calhoun is soon knee deep in fist fights, shoot-outs and horse chases, both as the pursued, and the pursuer. Most of the local townsfolk are too afraid to stand up to Teal and his mob of hired guns. Calhoun does manage to get some help from a pal he knew from years before, Paul Langton. Langton is also handy with a six-gun, as well as the huge double-barrelled shotgun he hauls around. Max Baer, a local, also joins Calhoun.

In the mix here is gorgeous Susan Cummings. Miss Cummings is the owner of another of the bigger spreads around the area. She has just buried her father who was murdered by Teal and his bunch. She is soon helping Calhoun and company with food and a place to hide. Of course Miss Cummings and our man Calhoun take a shine to each other.

For Calhoun, the fight becomes very personal when he finds that gunman, George Keymas, is among Teal's men. It seems that Keymas had sold Calhoun out to the Mexican Federales, when the two had been on a job south of the border. Calhoun had spent a long stretch in a Mexican prison before finally escaping. He wants revenge.

The local folks finally join up with Calhoun's mob when Teal tries to murder another local ranch owner, Angela Stevens. They arm up and are waiting in ambush for Teal and his men when they hit town. There is a fairly liberal spraying of heavy metal, with Teal and his bunch on the wrong end. Calhoun and Keymas have their own little battle with Keymas joining the Boot Hill express.

This is a nifty little low renter that zips along in a quick 75 minutes. B-expert, Fred F. Sears, handles the direction here. Sears cranked out about 50 films in his 1949 till 1958 Hollywood career. Sears' films include, WORLD WITHOUT END, UTAH BLAINE, RUMBLE ON THE DOCKS, THE 49th MAN, CELL 2455 DEATH ROW and CHICAGO SYNDICATE.

Another B-film veteran, Benjamin H. Kline handles the cinematography. Kline worked on several excellent low-rent film noir such as, ROSES ARE RED, THE INVISIBLE WALL, JEWELS OF BRANDENBURG, TREASURE OF MONTE CRISTO and DETOUR.

The film is taken from the Louis L'Amour novel of the same name.

Wow, Nice Wardrobe Miss Cummings

[aimless-46 · 5/10 · 9 January 2006]

Since the Westerns Channel continues to screen this Louis L'Amour based "B" western, there is actually a chance that people will be able to see it. The title character, "Utah Blaine", is played by Rory Calhoun in his prime. Calhoun certainly looks like a real western hero. It also features one of the last appearances by Max Baer Sr., former heavyweight boxing champion and Jethro's father.

"Utah Blaine" turns the conventions of the western genre around to suit the conservative agenda of the mid-1950's. Instead of the standard "BIG ranchers trying to drive the little guys out of business and get their land", here the egalitarian little people (led by Ray Teal-"Bonanza's" Roy Coffee) are trying to break up the big ranches and distribute the wealth. Progress is defined as establishing a better method to protect the property of the rich.

The best part is actress Susan Cummings (who played Marie in Roger Corman's "Swamp Women"). Cummings is Blaine's love interest and you can understand his attraction when you see her walk around in extraordinarily tight leather pants (and this was made in 1957). Not until "Coyote Ugly" would a film again put pants to such good use. It doesn't do much for the film's realism but you won't find me complaining.

As someone has already mentioned, the film relies on a lot of unlikely coincidences and unexplained developments to advance the plot. This actually gives it a beginning-to-end unity, as even the final shootout is wildly improbable. As the townspeople do battle with the gang of bad gunmen on Main Street, Rink (the worst of the lot) attempts to get out of town. He has Blaine pinned down behind a hay wagon on another street but instead of leaving he stays and tries to burn Blaine out of his hiding place. It's like the screenwriters forgot which one was trying to get away. And Rink is literally a two-gun cowboy, not only does he wear a pair of six shooters, he goes down shooting with a blazing pistol in each hand. What a guy! There is a lot of action and if you just laugh at the convenient coincidences the film can be quite entertaining.

Then again, what do I know? I'm only a child.

Excellent cast in action-packed Louis L'Amour story

[morrisonhimself · 10/10 · 20 February 2017]

Rory Calhoun proved himself an action hero, a two-gun action hero, in this fast-moving, and often exciting minor A Western. And he had to prove himself so with such an excellent cast of first-rate players.

His female lead was the beautiful -- although outrageously padded -- Susan Cummings, who also proved herself a first-rate actress who should have many more first-rate parts.

Her character was a strong and courageous woman, a type not seen often enough in any film but perhaps especially so in Westerns, where they mostly are present to be rescued or protected.

This Western heroine wields a shotgun and drives off the bad guys if they get too close.

Max Baer, the boxing champ, was another excellent actor and I had never seen him in a Western. He should have had his own series, playing the big and strong hero. He shows himself fully capable of it in this film.

Ray Teal is such a strong personality he almost steals "Utah Blaine" from its star -- and he plays the chief bad guy! This is a striking performance, and proof positive Mr. Teal could have played any kind of role.

Director Fred Sears leads his cast and crew admirably, and also proves himself a first-rate director, deserving of bigger-budget pictures and respect.

"Utah Blaine" was completely unknown to me before I accidentally found it at YouTube, and I am completely recommending it.

good western!

[ksf-2 · 7/10 · 14 May 2022]

Rory calhoun is blaine, who takes up the cause of the ranchers who are getting run off or killed for their land. Since their land was never properly filed, murdering gangs are trying to grab the land that the owners have developed and worked. And of course, there's a mountain lion prowling around as well. Max baer senior (jethro's dad, the boxer! ) is gus. Co-stars susan cummings, ray teal. It's a pretty good western. Thieves, threats, shooting, horse riding. All the ingredients. Calhoun was king of the westerns, but he was also betty grable's forest ranger in how to marry a millionaire. Directed by fred sears, who died young of a heart attack at age 44. He died the same year this was released. Baer also died young at 50, just two years after this film story by louis l'amour.

Pared-Down Prairie Tale

[richardchatten · 5/10 · 8 July 2020]

The drab black & white photography looks more redolent of a couple of TV episodes pasted together than a cinema film in this harsh, strangely underpopulated Louis L'Amour adaptation starring Rory Calhoun with a robust female presence in the form of Susan Cummings and Angela Stevens (the former mainly a TV actress but with one striking big screen credit a couple of years later in the form of Sam Fuller's 'Verboten!').

One of the best of Sam Katzman's productions

[searchanddestroy-1 · 22 June 2023]

I did not expect a so good script from a western produced by the greedy, stingy Sam Katzman, who offered us far far worst in the past, and even since this Fred S Sears' stuff. Good script, maybe xanks to western novelist Louis L'Amour which it is inspired from. Not a really new topic, but fairly well done, with a good characters symphony. Rory Calhoun excellent but maybe a most known villain would have been welcome, such as Leo Gordon, Robert Wilke or Neville Brand. So, try to watch this movie, it is a good time waster for western buffs, fast paced, with no length and not particularely diminished by the Sam Katzman's trademark, that I usually recognize at first sight. Here, Sam Katzman's name is only shown on the opening credits.

Put the Blame on Blaine!

[bsmith5552 · 6/10 · 2 January 2021]

"Utah Blaine" was another of those compact little 75 minute westerns that star Rory Calhoun turned out in the late 50s. It's directed by former actor Fred S. Sears and produced by Columbia's wizard of low budgets Sam (save a buck) Katzman.

Calhoun plays gunfighter Utah Blaine who has just escaped a firing squad in Mexico and has returned to Texas on foot. He witness the hanging of local rancher Joe Neal (Ken Christy. After the lynchers ride off, Blaine cuts Neal down in the nick of time. Neal explains to Blaine that there are a group of land grabbing vigilantes trying to steal his ranch, the "46" and a neighboring ranch "The Bar B", As a reward for saving his life, Neal makes Blaine his ranch manager while he hides out in El Paso.

Neal had given Blaine the name of an ally, Kinyon but Blaine arrives in time for the man's funeral. There he meets Angie Kinyon (Susan Cummings) Kinyon's daughter who now own's the "46". Russ Nevers (Ray Teal) the leader of the vigilantes tries to intimidate Angie. Mary Blake (Angela Stevens) owns the neighboring ranch the "BarB". The raiders are trying to drive both of them off their properties. Shotgun wielding Rip Coker (Paul Langdon) throws in with Blaine When Blaine tries to go to the bank to register his deal with Neal, he is forced to fight the burly Gus Ortmann (Max Baer). In a fierce fight, Blaine manages to overcome the bigger man. Gus, not happy with Nevers' tactics decides to join up with Blaine and Coker to help the two ladies.

Nevers employs a ruthless gunman named Rink Witter (George Keymas) who tries to lure Blaine into a gun battle. Blaine resists for the time being. Witter is sent by Nevers to roust Angie at her ranch. Gus, who had been wounded earlier in a gunfight with Nevers' gang, tries to save her but is killed by the gunman. Blaine meanwhile rallies the townsfolk under blacksmith Tom Cory (Gene Roth) to rise up against the vigilantes. Blaine sets a trap and lures Nevers and his gang into town where townsfolk lie in wait and......................................................................................

Average "B" plus western.

"We never hung a woman before, but I don't think it takes a different kind of rope."

[spookyrat1 · 7/10 · 5 February 2021]

Good quality "B" grade oater! The black and white print I saw, was of more than an acceptable standard.

Simple story of a "nice" gunfighter, stumbling into a range war north of the Mexican border and siding with the outgunned minority, who include his future love interest. He gradually inspires others to join the cause.

The thing I like about Utah Blaine, is its total lack of pretence. It knows its limitations and budget, but fills its 75 minutes with a decent (albeit predictable) story, that's filled with heaps of action and some amusingly sardonic lines, like the one quoted above. There is little to find fault with the acting and production values.

If you come across it, it's certainly worthy of a look.

A Good, Old-Fashioned, Grade-B Western

[Uriah43 · 6/10 · 1 December 2021]

This film begins with a cowboy by the name of "Joe Neal" (Ken Christy) being taken to an isolated part of the country and lynched by a group of men led by a man named "Russ Nevers" (Ray Teal). As it so happens, Joe owns a large portion of land which he has yet to file a legal claim for and the other men all want a piece of it. That being said, because they leave him to die a slow death by hanging, what they don't see is a nearby cowboy named "Utah Blaine" (Rory Calhoun) witnessing the whole thing nearby and rescuing Joe in the nick of time. Grateful for his efforts, Joe promises Utah Blaine a large number of cattle and offers to make him his ranch foreman. Having been a gunslinger all of his life, Utah gladly accepts Joe's generous offer. However, he is even more pleased when he is told that a man he's been tracking for a long time named "Rink Witter" (George Keymas) also participated in this illegal hanging-and he fully expects their paths to cross again once and for all. Now rather than reveal any more I will just say that this was a good, old-fashioned Western which had a couple of unexpected turns along the way that made it somewhat more compelling than many grade-B movies of this sort. Admittedly, I would have preferred a slightly lengthier run time but all things considered I enjoyed this film for the most part and I have rated it accordingly. Slightly above average.

Movie remains close to the book

[briantidball · 7/10 · 7 December 2023]

This movie script stays pretty close to the Louis L'Amour book of the same title, both in name, story and the characters. Like the book it has plenty of action and a developing romantic interest. Rory Calhoun is a good choice for playing Blaine as a likeable rouge who is offered a opportunity of both money and stock enough to start his own ranch by Joe Neal who he saves from hanging in the movies opening scenes. Max Baer Sr as Gus Orteman gives a solid performance, as good as his role in Buckskin Frontier with Richard Dix. The story unfolds a steady pace with little lack for action along the way. My only gripe would be as the story builds up, the ending is a bit weak.

Rory Calhoun Caught Napping

[wes-connors · 4/10 · 26 June 2016]

In the old American West, a man naps. Tall, dark and handsome Rory Calhoun (as Mike "Utah" Blaine) awakens to save an older man from hanging. A well-known gunslinger, Mr. Calhoun is immediately hired by the grateful rancher, who wants a tough guy to protect his property. Turns out, the hanging posse is a gang of crooks, led by dastardly Ray Teal (as Russ Nevers). They kill ranch owners and steal their land. Calhoun is looking to settle a score with George Keymas (as Rink Witter), who is coincidentally working with Mr. Teal. Wearing the tightest jeans and pointiest top in the west, local rancher's daughter Susan Cummings (as Angela "Angie" Kinyon) helps Calhoun and provides romantic interest...

This story was based on a Louis L'Amour book. It loses something in the translation to screen. A richness of plot and characters is evident, but they don't adapt well. We're left with a simple story, having too many characters. A singular villain, involved in the Mexican firing squad, would have helped. For whatever reasons, director Fred F. Sears is unable to stir much emotion in Calhoun. He's supposed to show an attraction for Ms. Cummings, and she for him. Her role is purely decorative; on that score, Cummings succeeds. Former boxer Max Baer (the father of "Beverly Hillbillies" Jethro) and Paul Langton (as Rip Coker) lend effective support, but the production is pedestrian and lacks passion.

**** Utah Blaine (2/1/1957) Fred F. Sears ~ Rory Calhoun, Susan Cummings, George Keymas, Ray Teal

"I don't think it takes a different kind of rope."

[spookyrat1 · 7/10 · 3 March 2021]

Good quality "B" grade oater! The black and white print I saw, was of more than an acceptable standard.

Simple story of a "nice" gunfighter, stumbling into a range war north of the Mexican border and siding with the outgunned minority, who include his future love interest. He gradually inspires others to join the cause.

The thing I like about Utah Blaine, is its total lack of pretence. It knows its limitations and budget, but fills its 75 minutes with a decent (albeit predictable) story, that's filled with heaps of action and some amusingly sardonic lines of dialogue. There is little to find fault with the acting and production values.

If you come across it, it's certainly worthy of a look.

Utah Blaine

[Prismark10 · 4/10 · 11 November 2021]

Utah Blaine is an unpretentious briskly paced B western.

Utah Blaine (Rory Calhoun) is a gunslinger who has had trouble down in Mexico. Now crossing Texas, he saves a man from a lynching.

He is veteran landowner Joe Neal, a gang of vigilantes want to string him up on behest of a rival called Russ Nevers. He wants to steal his land and share it with the vigilantes.

Russ has been doing the same to other big landowners as the vigilante claim to serve up justice in a corrupt state.

Joe offers Utah a half share in the ranch to be the foreman and file ownership papers in the bank.

Utah is joined by Angie Kinyon, the daughter of a another major landowner who has recently been killed. With the help of a few others, they all take on the vigilantes.

Boxing champion Max Baer plays a bruiser who aids Utah with his fists.

The story is routine, there is enough action and Nevers has a henchman who has a past with Utah.

Utah Blaine

[coltras35 · 5/10 · 1 April 2023]

A Gunfighter helps a ranch owner in his attempt to prevent a renegade crew from taking over the territory. When the owner is murdered, he wills his ranch jointly to the gunfighter and daughter of an old friend. The range terror is stopped in a blaze of gunfire.

Based on a Louis L'amour novel, Utah Blaine is a routine affair bolstered by some good action scenes such as a fistfight and a plethora of shootouts - its fast moving and well-acted, however it doesn't rise above being a mere programmer. Yet it's still worth checking out, but it doesn't match the other L'amour adaptations such as Hondo, the Tall Stranger and Shalako in greatness.

Don't Blame Blaine, if plain inane

[weezeralfalfa · 5/10 · 24 May 2017]

Features the well-worn plot involving a range war. This time, the war is between Joe Neal and a gang of smaller ranchers, lead by Ray Teal, as Nevers. Neal owns the section with the best grassing and water supply. He's been there for 30 years, but never bothered to file a claim on it. There are actually 2 desirable ranches involved, apparently adjacent to each other: the 46th Commuted, and the B Bar. The B Bar is operated by Mary Blake(Angela Stevens), whose father was killed by Nevers' gang. Confusing to me the ownership relation of the 46th between Joe Neal and Angie Kinyon(Susan Cummings). Nevers' consortium of ranchers is intent on stealing both the B Bar and 46th ranches and dividing them up among the members, since neither has any heirs. To facilitate this goal, they are out to kill the 2 women and Neal. But Neal fools them by having his friend Utah Blaine(Roy Calhoun) file a claim with the claim office in the bank. Also, he hurriedly registers a will, naming Blaine and Angie the heirs, with half the 46th going to each. If they should marry, then each would be a joint owner of the 46th.

The film begins with Nevers' bunch lynching Joe Neal(under what pretext other than plain murder?). Fortunately, the gang leaves quickly after Neal drops. But, they intentionally made his drop too short to break his neck. They wanted him to die rather slowly by strangulation. Thus, Blaine, who had been sleeping behind a nearby tree(!), has time to run over and cut the rope, before Neal is permanently damaged. Neal tells his situation, and makes a friend of Blaine.

The climax involves a shoot out in town between Nevers' gang on horses and the townies, who are hiding behind doors, windows and on top of roofs. Nevers' gang is shot to pieces, ending the range war.

In one of his last movie roles, former heavyweight champion Max Baer plays Gus Ortmann: a beefy guy who, at the request of Nevers, tries to stop Blaine from reaching the bank to file the claim on the 46th. He has a fight with Blaine and, amazingly, loses it. Then, Gus switches sides, and along with Rip Coker(Paul Langton), rides with Blaine, later to be shot dead.

My main complaint is that much of the film was shot under semi-dark conditions, so that it was difficult for me to discern who I was looking at.

Available in B&W at You Tube.