Must take issue with a previous reviewer who characterized Fonda's performance as all bad, all the time. In fact, while Fonda's men are evil incarnate, Fonda's character is more nuanced and complex, and he is as much a victim of his choices and the men he chooses to "lead" as the townspeople they terrorize. In fact, if the movie has a dominant theme, it would be about how people become trapped by their own fears and doubts, and can only break out of their personal prisons by finding the courage to face their fears and overcome them. The movie is dark, and borrows elements from many earlier westerns; especially High Noon. It is not relentlessly negative however, and ends on a positive and life affirming note. While the pace is slow and the plot is derivative, the performances, particularly Stewart's and Fonda's, are superb and make the movie worth watching. The supporting case is a who's who of wonderful character actors and actresses.
73 Reviews
"When You Find No Law, You Make Your Own."
bkoganbing22 August 2006
Firecreek is a somber western indeed about a man who is a sheriff and in the end forced to act like one. And an outlaw who's also forced to act like one.
Five outlaws led by Henry Fonda are dodging a posse and go to this out of the way town called Firecreek. Fonda leads a real motley crew of killers in Morgan Woodward, Jack Elam, James Best, and Gary Lockwood. Though Fonda says stay out of trouble and don't start anything, their outlaw natures get the better of them.
James Stewart is the part-time sheriff here. The place is so small it doesn't usually need and can't afford a real professional lawman. It makes the town of Hadleyville in High Noon look like Chicago. Stewart is more of a constable who usually just has to jail those who get inebriated on Saturday night.
Stewart also has other problems like a wife who's about to give birth to their third child. That's the conflict he's undergoing.
Fonda in a performance similar at times to Gregory Peck in The Gunfighter is weary of the life and finds a little romance going with Inger Stevens. But Peck rode alone and Fonda is responsible for the leadership of this gang.
A whole gang of familiar players like Ed Begley, John Qualen, Dean Jagger, and Jay C. Flippen are some of the town citizens. But the most touching portrayal is that of J. Robert Porter who plays the tragic, slightly retarded stable boy. What happens to him sets the stage for the climax.
Other than separate appearances in How the West Was Won, the only joint screen effort for Princeton graduates and lifetime best friends, James Stewart and Henry Fonda was in On Our Merry Way. This second joint venture was not greeted with glowing reviews at the time. But Firecreek has definitely held up well over the years.
Though the climax is completely ripped off from High Noon it is still a well choreographed gun battle just as High Noon was.
The job of sheriff even in a hole in the wall like Firecreek is not one for amateurs.
Five outlaws led by Henry Fonda are dodging a posse and go to this out of the way town called Firecreek. Fonda leads a real motley crew of killers in Morgan Woodward, Jack Elam, James Best, and Gary Lockwood. Though Fonda says stay out of trouble and don't start anything, their outlaw natures get the better of them.
James Stewart is the part-time sheriff here. The place is so small it doesn't usually need and can't afford a real professional lawman. It makes the town of Hadleyville in High Noon look like Chicago. Stewart is more of a constable who usually just has to jail those who get inebriated on Saturday night.
Stewart also has other problems like a wife who's about to give birth to their third child. That's the conflict he's undergoing.
Fonda in a performance similar at times to Gregory Peck in The Gunfighter is weary of the life and finds a little romance going with Inger Stevens. But Peck rode alone and Fonda is responsible for the leadership of this gang.
A whole gang of familiar players like Ed Begley, John Qualen, Dean Jagger, and Jay C. Flippen are some of the town citizens. But the most touching portrayal is that of J. Robert Porter who plays the tragic, slightly retarded stable boy. What happens to him sets the stage for the climax.
Other than separate appearances in How the West Was Won, the only joint screen effort for Princeton graduates and lifetime best friends, James Stewart and Henry Fonda was in On Our Merry Way. This second joint venture was not greeted with glowing reviews at the time. But Firecreek has definitely held up well over the years.
Though the climax is completely ripped off from High Noon it is still a well choreographed gun battle just as High Noon was.
The job of sheriff even in a hole in the wall like Firecreek is not one for amateurs.
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing
JamesHitchcock11 December 2007
Warning: Spoilers
In his early films, James Stewart acquired something of a "Mr Nice Guy" image, something he tried to shake off in the latter part of his career. Although he rarely, if ever, played an outright villain, he took several opportunities to play flawed heroes, particularly in Westerns. An example is "The Naked Spur" from 1953. Stewart's character in this film, Howard Kemp, is not an evil man, but a basically good one corrupted by greed and resentment.
In "Firecreek", made fifteen years later, Stewart plays another flawed hero, Johnny Cobb, although Cobb's flaw is very different to Kemp's. Indeed, at first Cobb does not appear to be either flawed or a hero. He is a small-time farmer in the village of Firecreek, a loving and happily-married family man with two young sons- in fact, a typical Stewart Mr Nice Guy. He could be George Bailey from "It's a Wonderful Life" twenty years older and transported to the Old West. Cobb is also the Sheriff of Firecreek, although this is only a part-time position for which he receives a token salary of two dollars a month. He does not even have a proper badge, although his sons have given him a home-made one bearing the misspelt legend "Sheraf".
Things change when a gang of ruffians ride into town. They are not, ostensibly, looking to cause trouble; their leader, Bob Larkin, has been injured in an earlier shooting incident and needs somewhere to lay up while he recuperates. He has chosen Firecreek because it is the home of his former lover Evelyn. His men, however, start making a nuisance of themselves, but Cobb and his fellow townsmen are reluctant to ask them to leave. This is partly because the men have not committed any serious crimes, being guilty of little more than bad manners and minor vandalism, for which they always offer to pay compensation. The real reason, however, that Cobb is unwilling to take any action is because he is a coward whose dearest wish is for a quiet life.
Unfortunately, his wish is to be denied. While their leader is still with Evelyn, the gang attempt to rape Meli, a young Indian woman. Cobb's deputy, a simple-minded farm boy named Arthur, intervenes and, in an attempt to protect the girl, accidentally shoots one of the outlaws dead. Cobb arrests Arthur, more for his own protection than for anything else, and locks him in the town jail to await trial. At this juncture Cobb is called away to be with his wife, who is giving birth to their third child. During his absence, the gang break into the jail and lynch Arthur; the townspeople make no attempt to stop them.
This sets up a finale similar to the ending of "High Noon". Cobb, realising too late that his cowardice has contributed to Arthur's death, resolves to confront the villains, even though the odds are stacked against him. He is one old man (Stewart was sixty at the time), normally quiet and peaceable, taking on a gang of several hardened desperadoes. (The reviewer who said that Stewart was too old for the part is missing the point. The decision to make Cobb an older man was quite deliberate- had the role gone to a younger actor such as Clint Eastwood he would have seemed less vulnerable and his courage less remarkable). Like Will Kane, Gary Cooper's character in "High Noon", he receives no support from the residents of the town, who try to dissuade him. Cobb, however, will not be dissuaded; he has realised too late that, in Edmund Burke's words, the only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.
Besides Stewart, the film features another major Hollywood star cast against type. Henry Fonda normally played heroes, but here he is cast as Larkin, the leader of the bad guys. Yet, just as Cobb is not a straightforward hero like Kane, so Larkin is not a straightforward villain. He initially does not want to cause any trouble in Firecreek and tries unsuccessfully to dissuade the gang from their evil intentions. It soon becomes clear, however, that he has lost control over his men. Larkin joins them in the final shootout because his sense of self-respect depends upon the idea that he is someone to be feared. He sees himself as controlling his gang, but in reality they control him. Voltaire described the British constitution thus: "The King, all-powerful to do good, has his hands tied to prevent him from doing evil". Larkin finds himself in precisely the opposite position. He is all-powerful to do evil, but when it comes to doing good- or even restraining others from doing harm- his hands are tied.
Vincent McEveety is not normally regarded as a major Hollywood director- he worked mainly in television and only made a handful of feature films- and "Firecreek" is not normally numbered among the great Westerns. It is not quite in the same class as "High Noon", lacking the pacing and the ever-increasing tension which make that a great classic. (The first half of "Firecreek", in particular, is rather leisurely). Yet if it is not quite a great Western, it is certainly a very good one with great performances from its two veteran stars, one as a man who redeems his earlier cowardice through a desperate act of courage, the other as a man who lacks the moral courage to redeem himself by renouncing his life of violence. 8/10
In "Firecreek", made fifteen years later, Stewart plays another flawed hero, Johnny Cobb, although Cobb's flaw is very different to Kemp's. Indeed, at first Cobb does not appear to be either flawed or a hero. He is a small-time farmer in the village of Firecreek, a loving and happily-married family man with two young sons- in fact, a typical Stewart Mr Nice Guy. He could be George Bailey from "It's a Wonderful Life" twenty years older and transported to the Old West. Cobb is also the Sheriff of Firecreek, although this is only a part-time position for which he receives a token salary of two dollars a month. He does not even have a proper badge, although his sons have given him a home-made one bearing the misspelt legend "Sheraf".
Things change when a gang of ruffians ride into town. They are not, ostensibly, looking to cause trouble; their leader, Bob Larkin, has been injured in an earlier shooting incident and needs somewhere to lay up while he recuperates. He has chosen Firecreek because it is the home of his former lover Evelyn. His men, however, start making a nuisance of themselves, but Cobb and his fellow townsmen are reluctant to ask them to leave. This is partly because the men have not committed any serious crimes, being guilty of little more than bad manners and minor vandalism, for which they always offer to pay compensation. The real reason, however, that Cobb is unwilling to take any action is because he is a coward whose dearest wish is for a quiet life.
Unfortunately, his wish is to be denied. While their leader is still with Evelyn, the gang attempt to rape Meli, a young Indian woman. Cobb's deputy, a simple-minded farm boy named Arthur, intervenes and, in an attempt to protect the girl, accidentally shoots one of the outlaws dead. Cobb arrests Arthur, more for his own protection than for anything else, and locks him in the town jail to await trial. At this juncture Cobb is called away to be with his wife, who is giving birth to their third child. During his absence, the gang break into the jail and lynch Arthur; the townspeople make no attempt to stop them.
This sets up a finale similar to the ending of "High Noon". Cobb, realising too late that his cowardice has contributed to Arthur's death, resolves to confront the villains, even though the odds are stacked against him. He is one old man (Stewart was sixty at the time), normally quiet and peaceable, taking on a gang of several hardened desperadoes. (The reviewer who said that Stewart was too old for the part is missing the point. The decision to make Cobb an older man was quite deliberate- had the role gone to a younger actor such as Clint Eastwood he would have seemed less vulnerable and his courage less remarkable). Like Will Kane, Gary Cooper's character in "High Noon", he receives no support from the residents of the town, who try to dissuade him. Cobb, however, will not be dissuaded; he has realised too late that, in Edmund Burke's words, the only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.
Besides Stewart, the film features another major Hollywood star cast against type. Henry Fonda normally played heroes, but here he is cast as Larkin, the leader of the bad guys. Yet, just as Cobb is not a straightforward hero like Kane, so Larkin is not a straightforward villain. He initially does not want to cause any trouble in Firecreek and tries unsuccessfully to dissuade the gang from their evil intentions. It soon becomes clear, however, that he has lost control over his men. Larkin joins them in the final shootout because his sense of self-respect depends upon the idea that he is someone to be feared. He sees himself as controlling his gang, but in reality they control him. Voltaire described the British constitution thus: "The King, all-powerful to do good, has his hands tied to prevent him from doing evil". Larkin finds himself in precisely the opposite position. He is all-powerful to do evil, but when it comes to doing good- or even restraining others from doing harm- his hands are tied.
Vincent McEveety is not normally regarded as a major Hollywood director- he worked mainly in television and only made a handful of feature films- and "Firecreek" is not normally numbered among the great Westerns. It is not quite in the same class as "High Noon", lacking the pacing and the ever-increasing tension which make that a great classic. (The first half of "Firecreek", in particular, is rather leisurely). Yet if it is not quite a great Western, it is certainly a very good one with great performances from its two veteran stars, one as a man who redeems his earlier cowardice through a desperate act of courage, the other as a man who lacks the moral courage to redeem himself by renouncing his life of violence. 8/10
Underrated but great
Destro21 February 1999
Firecreek is one of the most underrated great westerns ever because it doesn't have a lot of flash. It's just gritty and tense. I think this is the best small-town-sheriff-gets-pushed-too-far western. Fonda proves he is better when he's bad (pre-Once Upon a Time in the West) and Jack Elam is always a plus. The real surprise is Gary Lockwood (2001) in a powerhouse performance of pure evil. Jimmy Stewart of course is the sheriff and I didn't really like him as an actor until I saw this film. The final shootout is great, pitchfork and all. Firecreek isn't for all tastes, but I recommend it, especially for noir-type fans.
Stand-out Western, marvelously performed by an all-star-cast and stunningly directed
ma-cortes6 August 2013
This is the story of the farmer/sheriff (James Stewart) who'd worn it -till he'd faced one gun too many...the novice young , a mentally-challenged stable boy (Robert Porter), he had to teach or watch to die . As a peace-loving, part-time sheriff in the small town of Firecreek must take a stand when a gang of nasty outlaws takes over his town. The $2 a month sheriff that's what they gave you for protecting people who ran like rabbits when the going got roguish ! . The villagers ask the unexperienced sheriff to rid the little town of bandits when a vicious gang of freebooters (Jack Elam , Gary Lockwood , James Best and Morgan Woodward) passes through, their leader Larkin (Henry Fonda), who is suffering from a minor wound healed by a spinster (Inger Stevens) , decides to spend that night .
This excellent , meaty Western contains interesting plot , intrigue , thrills , shootouts and results to be quite entertaining. Outstanding Western balances action , suspense and drama. It's a classical recounting about an unexperienced marshal in charge of a village full of cowards and frightening people ; being probably one of the best Westerns in the fifties and sixties. The highlights of the film are the climatic showdowns, the twisted surprise at the livery stable and, of course, the final gundown . The traditional story and exciting screenplay was well written by Calvin Clemens though clichés run through-out. The enjoyable tale is enhanced for interesting moments developed among main characters and especially on the relationship between Henry Fonda and Inger Stevens. Magnificently performed by heavywights : James Stewart and Henry Fonda , they are awesome experts in the art of conjuring sensational acting , here are reunited in this atypical but thought-provoking western with a lot of reflection, distinguished moments and dramatical attitudes , in addition a multitude of entertaining situations . Top-notch plethora of secondary actors playing vicious, sadistic sociopaths who take advantage of the frightened townspeople such as Gary Lockwood , James Best , Morgan Woodward and veteran Jack Elam as well as villagers perfectly performed by Barbara Luna , Ed Begley , J. C. Flippen, Louise Latham, Dean Jagger, Jacqueline Scott, Robert Porter, John Qualen, among others . Wonderful cinematography in Technicolor is superbly caught by cameraman William H. Clothier, John Ford/John Wayne films's usual. Sensitive as well as lively musical score by classic composer Alfred Newman .
This is another superbly powerful Western being compellingly directed by Vincent McEveety , son of director Bernard McEveety. Vincent was an expert craftsman filmmaking occasionally for cinema such as ¨Herbie, Torero¨ , ¨Amy¨ , ¨The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again¨ , ¨Gus¨, ¨The Strongest Man in the World¨ and usually directed several TV episodes such as ¨Diagnosis murder¨, ¨Colombo¨, ¨Pensacola¨ , ¨Perry Mason¨, ¨T. J. Hooker¨, ¨Airwolf¨ , ¨Dallas¨ , ¨Cimarron¨ , ¨Gunsmoke¨ and ¨Star Trek ¨ in which four of the actors have links to ¨Firecreek¨ as Gary Lockwood, Barbara Luna, Brooke Bundy and Morgan Woodward all starred in Star Trek episodes. Well worth watching and it will appeal to James Stewart and Henry Fonda fans .
This excellent , meaty Western contains interesting plot , intrigue , thrills , shootouts and results to be quite entertaining. Outstanding Western balances action , suspense and drama. It's a classical recounting about an unexperienced marshal in charge of a village full of cowards and frightening people ; being probably one of the best Westerns in the fifties and sixties. The highlights of the film are the climatic showdowns, the twisted surprise at the livery stable and, of course, the final gundown . The traditional story and exciting screenplay was well written by Calvin Clemens though clichés run through-out. The enjoyable tale is enhanced for interesting moments developed among main characters and especially on the relationship between Henry Fonda and Inger Stevens. Magnificently performed by heavywights : James Stewart and Henry Fonda , they are awesome experts in the art of conjuring sensational acting , here are reunited in this atypical but thought-provoking western with a lot of reflection, distinguished moments and dramatical attitudes , in addition a multitude of entertaining situations . Top-notch plethora of secondary actors playing vicious, sadistic sociopaths who take advantage of the frightened townspeople such as Gary Lockwood , James Best , Morgan Woodward and veteran Jack Elam as well as villagers perfectly performed by Barbara Luna , Ed Begley , J. C. Flippen, Louise Latham, Dean Jagger, Jacqueline Scott, Robert Porter, John Qualen, among others . Wonderful cinematography in Technicolor is superbly caught by cameraman William H. Clothier, John Ford/John Wayne films's usual. Sensitive as well as lively musical score by classic composer Alfred Newman .
This is another superbly powerful Western being compellingly directed by Vincent McEveety , son of director Bernard McEveety. Vincent was an expert craftsman filmmaking occasionally for cinema such as ¨Herbie, Torero¨ , ¨Amy¨ , ¨The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again¨ , ¨Gus¨, ¨The Strongest Man in the World¨ and usually directed several TV episodes such as ¨Diagnosis murder¨, ¨Colombo¨, ¨Pensacola¨ , ¨Perry Mason¨, ¨T. J. Hooker¨, ¨Airwolf¨ , ¨Dallas¨ , ¨Cimarron¨ , ¨Gunsmoke¨ and ¨Star Trek ¨ in which four of the actors have links to ¨Firecreek¨ as Gary Lockwood, Barbara Luna, Brooke Bundy and Morgan Woodward all starred in Star Trek episodes. Well worth watching and it will appeal to James Stewart and Henry Fonda fans .
The film is a small predictable Western, far from perfect, which does not show its stars at their best...
Nazi_Fighter_David3 October 2001
Warning: Spoilers
"Firecreek" is a somber, downbeat Western, photographed in bleak, striking colors... It has the benefit of Alfred Newman's musical inspiration
The movie starts off well, but goes steadily downhill in a welter of unrelieved negativism... Director Vincent McEveetyquite different from Anthony Mann who died the previous yearforces us to come to grip with a central figure, subtly played by Stewart who seems not to have held the plot in high esteem...
Stewart, an aging farmer and family-man turned sheriff, straps on his guns and goes out to meet the Fonda gang, especially after they lynch a boy who had caught one of them in mid-rape and killed him Fonda was ruthless, stern, severe, sadistic, unrepentantly villainous from start to finish He and his gang terrorize a small Arizona town causing among its people annoyance and trouble...
The film is a small predictable Western, far from perfect, which does not show its stars at their best... It had quite a little talk, much of it psychological, before the inevitable action finally begins to explode...
The tormented and unhappy actress Inger Stevens, who committed suicide two years after "Firecreek" at the early age of 36, managed to suggest sincere evocations of underlying neurosis in her role Her real-life torments, sadly, gave her role more dimension than either the all-good Stewart or all-bad Fonda were able to achieve in "Firecreek."
Last note: "Firecreek" was the last picture in which Stewart's beloved horse 'Pie' would appear with him; they had worked together for eighteen years, since Winchester '73 in 1950 Stewart loved the horse but its owner, a lady, called Stevie Myers, would never let him, for unexplained reasons, buy it
Stewart, an aging farmer and family-man turned sheriff, straps on his guns and goes out to meet the Fonda gang, especially after they lynch a boy who had caught one of them in mid-rape and killed him Fonda was ruthless, stern, severe, sadistic, unrepentantly villainous from start to finish He and his gang terrorize a small Arizona town causing among its people annoyance and trouble...
The film is a small predictable Western, far from perfect, which does not show its stars at their best... It had quite a little talk, much of it psychological, before the inevitable action finally begins to explode...
The tormented and unhappy actress Inger Stevens, who committed suicide two years after "Firecreek" at the early age of 36, managed to suggest sincere evocations of underlying neurosis in her role Her real-life torments, sadly, gave her role more dimension than either the all-good Stewart or all-bad Fonda were able to achieve in "Firecreek."
Last note: "Firecreek" was the last picture in which Stewart's beloved horse 'Pie' would appear with him; they had worked together for eighteen years, since Winchester '73 in 1950 Stewart loved the horse but its owner, a lady, called Stevie Myers, would never let him, for unexplained reasons, buy it
See It For Dialog And Performances
kayaker3622 December 2007
Jimmy Stewart gets top billing and a lot more screen time than fellow mega-star Henry Fonda in this early modern western. 59 years old when the movie was being shot, Stewart looks if anything even older as remarked by many others. He is NOT credible as a new father even of his third child.
Fonda was three years older but has aged much better, looking fit, competent, credible even as a love interest for Inger Stevens who is just about half his age.
This movie is driven by character. The story is simple, not very original and quite slow to get going. However, and as one perceptive reviewer noted, Gary Lockwood's performance as a drawling, baby-faced killer is superbly convincing. His character shows a surprising self-possession, too, always giving part- time sheriff Stewart an excuse to keep looking the other way. It makes him dangerous to everyone, the boss of the outfit (Fonda), especially. Veteran western actor Jack Elam--later to appear in a soft drink commercial-- is no self-parody here! Tough, cunning, mature, his character is just amoral enough to be part of the crew of hired guns that the town of Firecreek has the ill luck to play host to.
In this age of dumbed-down scripts, mumbling actors and dialog that rambles on for no apparent reason, the articulately spoken, sharp and memorable lines given to all the characters is a poignant reminder of what movies used to be. They most of all are what make every minute of this picture worth watching.
Fonda was three years older but has aged much better, looking fit, competent, credible even as a love interest for Inger Stevens who is just about half his age.
This movie is driven by character. The story is simple, not very original and quite slow to get going. However, and as one perceptive reviewer noted, Gary Lockwood's performance as a drawling, baby-faced killer is superbly convincing. His character shows a surprising self-possession, too, always giving part- time sheriff Stewart an excuse to keep looking the other way. It makes him dangerous to everyone, the boss of the outfit (Fonda), especially. Veteran western actor Jack Elam--later to appear in a soft drink commercial-- is no self-parody here! Tough, cunning, mature, his character is just amoral enough to be part of the crew of hired guns that the town of Firecreek has the ill luck to play host to.
In this age of dumbed-down scripts, mumbling actors and dialog that rambles on for no apparent reason, the articulately spoken, sharp and memorable lines given to all the characters is a poignant reminder of what movies used to be. They most of all are what make every minute of this picture worth watching.
The end of an era
MarioB28 August 2000
The late sixties, for me, were the last years of traditionnel Hollywood western, typical of the Anthony Mann type of films of the fifties. Western of the seventies will have all that Leone type of feeling, or the violent aura of The Wild Bunch (Of course, there's few exceptions, like The Shootist). Nothing new under the sun here : a little bit of High Noon here, a little bit of the Mann-type of western there. But the story, if not original, is strong and the acting is very fine. I don't think Firecreek was popular then, or got a reputation, perhaps because people were tired of that kind of films. But James Stewart is superb. As always.
Firecreek
Scarecrow-8811 May 2012
Warning: Spoilers
The plot is really rather simple, but has lasted as long as the western: Henry Fonda and his band of rugged, uncouth outlaws ride into a "farm town", ran by a "farm sheriff", up to no good. Jimmy Stewart is the sheriff, just a mind-his-own-business, genial, wise and respected member of his little town who doesn't want any funny business or trouble, but the beauty of this western is he'll get it regardless. When we get a good look at Stewart (as Johnny Cobb), the film goes out of its way to portray him as a non-violent man who doesn't seem like the kind of person capable of drawing a weapon opposite gunslingers more than willing to shoot or harm anyone that crossed them.
Bob Larken's (Henry Fonda) bunch is a nasty brood, each actor blessed with interesting faces and able to convey a dark streak making them wholly unpleasant. They interrupt a sermon preached by "fire and brimstone" preacher Ed Begley (whose voice carries gravitas and bluster), with disgruntled Gary Lockwood (as the always-looking-to-pick-a-fight Earl) sawing away inside, visibly eager to put a bullet in somebody, leaving the "church" (basically a store used as a place of worship) just gnawing on some way to get even with the preached word aimed in his direction. A complaint: Why is it that in most westerns, the gospel song sang is "Bringing in the Sheaves"?!?!
When James Best (Roscoe on Dukes of Hazzard and a few memorable Twilight Zone appearances) tries to rape Meli (secretly Cobb's brother's half breed wife), Cobb's "limp brain" stable boy, Arthur (a sympathetic Robert Porter, who looks to Cobb for guidance and wisdom) shoots him as a means to protect her, spurning the wrath of Earl and his colleagues (including sleazy Jack Elam and scar-faced Morgan Woodward who hardly speaks but produces a menace that talks for him). Because he has remained peace-minded and willing to tolerate Larken's gang of irritating galoots, Cobb is finally pushed over the edge when Arthur is a victim of their rage. The final twenty minutes, after a grueling night where his pregnant wife suffered through a difficult labor not yet producing birth, has Cobb, belly full of distaste and anger towards the outlaws plaguing his town, decides to pack a pistol and face off with Larken.
"Firecreek", plot-wise is unremarkable and we have certainly seen better westerns starring Fonda and Stewart. Still these pros are sincere and have conviction (conviction for where they stand, criminally or honorably depending on their ideals and principles) in their parts. Seeing Cobb enter, hesitantly and reluctantly, into the town bar as Larken's gang tears up the saloon, Stewart subtly informs us that his character is in a very precarious, uncomfortable situation. You often here in the dialogue that by morning these cretins will be gone, if the town can just outlast their uncivilized, obnoxious behavior throughout the night.
The results of the film, that violence will erupt and the outlaws pay for their sins, is unsurprising and expected. Fonda is close, although a bit of humanity shows itself when on screen with Inger Stevens (as a local woman tending to his bullet wound) as he recovers from injury, to the character he portrayed in "Once Upon a Time in the West", certainly in that he will stand behind his boys, regardless of how they act towards others, and use violence if necessary to be a "leader". I don't think we fault Stewart for taking a stand, although unlike "Firecreek", his Mann westerns weren't always as black and white as this film. Does show the Peckinpah approach to the 60s western in how vile and filthy the outlaws are, as well as, the level of violence presented on screen.
Considerably aged, Stewart is even more effective, I think, because his character "gave up opportunities" in order to settle in this farm town in the middle of nowhere, with citizens all "running away" from life. Great part for Dean Jagger as a shop owner who speaks about the travails of unfulfilled life, not speaking favorably of the town he calls home. Stevens, a fine actress, proves here just how much a tragedy it was she would commit suicide just a few years later it's too bad because, along with "Hang 'Em High", "Firecreek" proves she had potential (her best work was on Twilight Zone, I believe).
Bob Larken's (Henry Fonda) bunch is a nasty brood, each actor blessed with interesting faces and able to convey a dark streak making them wholly unpleasant. They interrupt a sermon preached by "fire and brimstone" preacher Ed Begley (whose voice carries gravitas and bluster), with disgruntled Gary Lockwood (as the always-looking-to-pick-a-fight Earl) sawing away inside, visibly eager to put a bullet in somebody, leaving the "church" (basically a store used as a place of worship) just gnawing on some way to get even with the preached word aimed in his direction. A complaint: Why is it that in most westerns, the gospel song sang is "Bringing in the Sheaves"?!?!
When James Best (Roscoe on Dukes of Hazzard and a few memorable Twilight Zone appearances) tries to rape Meli (secretly Cobb's brother's half breed wife), Cobb's "limp brain" stable boy, Arthur (a sympathetic Robert Porter, who looks to Cobb for guidance and wisdom) shoots him as a means to protect her, spurning the wrath of Earl and his colleagues (including sleazy Jack Elam and scar-faced Morgan Woodward who hardly speaks but produces a menace that talks for him). Because he has remained peace-minded and willing to tolerate Larken's gang of irritating galoots, Cobb is finally pushed over the edge when Arthur is a victim of their rage. The final twenty minutes, after a grueling night where his pregnant wife suffered through a difficult labor not yet producing birth, has Cobb, belly full of distaste and anger towards the outlaws plaguing his town, decides to pack a pistol and face off with Larken.
"Firecreek", plot-wise is unremarkable and we have certainly seen better westerns starring Fonda and Stewart. Still these pros are sincere and have conviction (conviction for where they stand, criminally or honorably depending on their ideals and principles) in their parts. Seeing Cobb enter, hesitantly and reluctantly, into the town bar as Larken's gang tears up the saloon, Stewart subtly informs us that his character is in a very precarious, uncomfortable situation. You often here in the dialogue that by morning these cretins will be gone, if the town can just outlast their uncivilized, obnoxious behavior throughout the night.
The results of the film, that violence will erupt and the outlaws pay for their sins, is unsurprising and expected. Fonda is close, although a bit of humanity shows itself when on screen with Inger Stevens (as a local woman tending to his bullet wound) as he recovers from injury, to the character he portrayed in "Once Upon a Time in the West", certainly in that he will stand behind his boys, regardless of how they act towards others, and use violence if necessary to be a "leader". I don't think we fault Stewart for taking a stand, although unlike "Firecreek", his Mann westerns weren't always as black and white as this film. Does show the Peckinpah approach to the 60s western in how vile and filthy the outlaws are, as well as, the level of violence presented on screen.
Considerably aged, Stewart is even more effective, I think, because his character "gave up opportunities" in order to settle in this farm town in the middle of nowhere, with citizens all "running away" from life. Great part for Dean Jagger as a shop owner who speaks about the travails of unfulfilled life, not speaking favorably of the town he calls home. Stevens, a fine actress, proves here just how much a tragedy it was she would commit suicide just a few years later it's too bad because, along with "Hang 'Em High", "Firecreek" proves she had potential (her best work was on Twilight Zone, I believe).
Moving, Powerful, Unheralded Western Masterpiece
blamire24 August 2003
I got tired of reading reviews containing either outright misinformation (suggesting the writer saw some other movie) or downright absurdity. From the top notch performances to the stirring Alfred Newman score to the brilliant Vincent McEveety direction to the detailed Calvin Clements script, this a western I can recommend wholeheartedly. This movie finally deserves its due, and a decent DVD release. Rather than falling into the spaghetti western mold popular at the time, this film looks and feels very American, a direct heir to the great Anthony Mann westerns of the 50s.
Jimmy Stewart, mystifyingly maligned in other reviews, gives a sincere moving performance. I wonder if the criticism comes at his farmer character's reluctance towards violence--disappointing no doubt to fans of "cartoon" westerns. The gritty realism extends to the easy, natural relationship among the gang played by Henry Fonda, Gary Lockwood, James Best, Jack Elam, and Morgan Woodward. This gang is the catalyst and their details, ticks and volatile unpredictability are portrayed with beautifully understated precision. And J. Robert Porter as the town simpleton will break your heart.
There's so much fine work by the cast, particularly Stewart, Fonda, Lockwood (who played another superb villain in the electrifying two-part "Gunsmoke" episode, "The Raid"), Best, Elam, Brooke Bundy, Jacqueline Scott, Louise Latham, Barbara Luna and Ed Begley. A dark, gritty, suspenseful western to be sure, but with a warm heart and soul at its center. Seek it out.
Jimmy Stewart, mystifyingly maligned in other reviews, gives a sincere moving performance. I wonder if the criticism comes at his farmer character's reluctance towards violence--disappointing no doubt to fans of "cartoon" westerns. The gritty realism extends to the easy, natural relationship among the gang played by Henry Fonda, Gary Lockwood, James Best, Jack Elam, and Morgan Woodward. This gang is the catalyst and their details, ticks and volatile unpredictability are portrayed with beautifully understated precision. And J. Robert Porter as the town simpleton will break your heart.
There's so much fine work by the cast, particularly Stewart, Fonda, Lockwood (who played another superb villain in the electrifying two-part "Gunsmoke" episode, "The Raid"), Best, Elam, Brooke Bundy, Jacqueline Scott, Louise Latham, Barbara Luna and Ed Begley. A dark, gritty, suspenseful western to be sure, but with a warm heart and soul at its center. Seek it out.
A solid vehicle for two Hollywood legends.
Hey_Sweden15 February 2013
Old friends and former roommates James Stewart and Henry Fonda are well teamed here in this very good Western; it doesn't quite become a classic, but it's so nicely acted and suitably engrossing that it's still a fine film of its kind. Stewart plays Johnny Cobb, an easygoing part time lawman in the tiny town of Firecreek, which is visited by Bob Larkin (Fonda) and his companions, a group of hired guns who are bored and itching to make some trouble. Johnny will find that his laid back approach to law enforcement will only cause problems, so in the end he will have no choice but to confront Larkin and gang. Extremely well shot by William H. Clothier, "Firecreek" is capably directed by Vincent McEveety and maintains a classic American Western style, at a time when the Italian made Spaghetti Westerns were putting a new spin on the old genre. Written by Calvin Clements Sr., it tells a fairly dark and gritty tale, one with a feeling of somber inevitability to it all. It benefits from its rather even handed treatment of antagonist Fonda, who's not a one-dimensional, moustache-twirling Oilcan Harry type. His associates, however, are less subtle. Jack Elam is fun as always as the older and wiser Norman, but chewing up the scenery are the fantastic Gary Lockwood as the volatile Earl and the amusing James Best, whose character Drew will automatically remind you at times of his famous TV character of 'Dukes of Hazzard' sheriff Roscoe P. Coltrane, giggles and everything. The women in this tale fill some strong roles, in particular Inger Stevens as Evelyn Pittman; her scenes with Fonda are compelling. Barbara Luna as Indian gal Meli and Brooke Bundy as Leah are quite lovely to look at. The superb supporting cast also features Dean Jagger as store owner Mr. Whittier, Ed Begley as the preacher, Jay C. Flippen as hotel owner Mr. Pittman, Jacqueline Scott as Cobbs' pregnant wife, the fine character actors John Qualen and Morgan Woodward, and the appealing Robert Porter as town simpleton Arthur; your heart just goes out to this guy. The film gets fairly violent as it goes along (albeit without really showing anything in the way of gore), and is somewhat shocking. Cobb doesn't emerge from the final confrontation unscathed. Ultimately, this is a good story of figuring out the right thing to do, and having to overcome ones' instincts if necessary. Fans of the actors and the genre should find it to be quite satisfactory. Seven out of 10.
Most definitely *not* a typical western.
marbaltru731 May 2012
First off, anyone calling this typical, cliché, or done-before wasn't really paying attention. I can't recall any other Western I have ever seen that is as personally intense. I believe if this was a Japanese movie involving samurai, the same reviewers saying as much would have been praising it and it would be hailed as an example of originality and how great many unappreciated Japanese films are.
To really get an idea of what you're going to watch when you watch this film, realize that it is closer to 12 Angry Men and The Crucible than it is to your typical shoot-em-up Western.
I believe that this is an excellent movie for student-actors to watch and study. Stewart and Fonda both deliver powerful, compelling performances. There roles are near perfect classic examples of protagonist and antagonist. Yet, while their respective roles as 'good guy' and 'bad guy' are familiar this is an ultra-intense dive into who their characters are, what has brought them to this point, and the gritty depths to which each is willing to plunge into themselves to win the day. Both characters are inextricably tied to their respective companions with both parallels and extreme contrasts as to why they are so heavily influenced by those around them. Yet each has a core integrity that *seems* unshakable despite constant challenges pushed upon them by the profound flaws that define their respective groups.
If you allow yourself to become immersed you'll discover an inglorious, unflattering, gritty hero versus villain tale unlike the vast majority of movies that exist in any genre, let alone Westerns. A dry, dusty, brutal struggle for survival in an isolated Western scenario. It gives you little hope for positive resolution throughout. You can feel the tension and you'll cringe at what seems inevitable tragedy. Unique, gritty, and intense, I claim without hesitation that this is one of the best Westerns of all time.
To really get an idea of what you're going to watch when you watch this film, realize that it is closer to 12 Angry Men and The Crucible than it is to your typical shoot-em-up Western.
I believe that this is an excellent movie for student-actors to watch and study. Stewart and Fonda both deliver powerful, compelling performances. There roles are near perfect classic examples of protagonist and antagonist. Yet, while their respective roles as 'good guy' and 'bad guy' are familiar this is an ultra-intense dive into who their characters are, what has brought them to this point, and the gritty depths to which each is willing to plunge into themselves to win the day. Both characters are inextricably tied to their respective companions with both parallels and extreme contrasts as to why they are so heavily influenced by those around them. Yet each has a core integrity that *seems* unshakable despite constant challenges pushed upon them by the profound flaws that define their respective groups.
If you allow yourself to become immersed you'll discover an inglorious, unflattering, gritty hero versus villain tale unlike the vast majority of movies that exist in any genre, let alone Westerns. A dry, dusty, brutal struggle for survival in an isolated Western scenario. It gives you little hope for positive resolution throughout. You can feel the tension and you'll cringe at what seems inevitable tragedy. Unique, gritty, and intense, I claim without hesitation that this is one of the best Westerns of all time.
"I lead. That's important to me."
utgard146 February 2014
James Stewart plays a farmer and part-time sheriff for the tiny town of Firecreek. He's got a baby on the way and isn't keen on sticking his nose into other people's business. So when Henry Fonda and his gang of cutthroats ride into town, Stewart looks the other way. Eventually the gang goes too far and somebody has to take a stand. I see a lot of comparisons between this and High Noon. One reviewer even going so far as to say this is derivative of that earlier film. I find the comparison specious at best. What do the two films have in common other than a sheriff fighting alone against outlaws?
It's a solid western with a nice cast. Henry Fonda in a pre-Once Upon a Time in the West villainous role is interesting. Jimmy Stewart excels as usual as a conflicted everyman character. Fonda's gang features two western "outlaw gang" veterans: Jack Elam and James Best. Some of the townspeople include Ed Begley, John Qualen, and the criminally underrated Dean Jagger. Some lovely actresses in the cast -- Inger Stevens, Barbara Luna, and Brooke Bundy. Altogether, a good one for western fans. Not one of the greats but good.
It's a solid western with a nice cast. Henry Fonda in a pre-Once Upon a Time in the West villainous role is interesting. Jimmy Stewart excels as usual as a conflicted everyman character. Fonda's gang features two western "outlaw gang" veterans: Jack Elam and James Best. Some of the townspeople include Ed Begley, John Qualen, and the criminally underrated Dean Jagger. Some lovely actresses in the cast -- Inger Stevens, Barbara Luna, and Brooke Bundy. Altogether, a good one for western fans. Not one of the greats but good.
Highly unpleasant western...
moonspinner5511 June 2005
Henry Fonda was always quite surprising pulling off a villainous role, and his mangy varmit in "Firecreek" is no exception (as an actor, he seems such an upright citizen that it takes a few scenes to accept him as a scurrilous killer, but he certainly makes it work). Murderous gang rides into dirtwater town and terrorizes the locals, including honorary sheriff James Stewart. Despite a very odd direction (with titillation asides), this is a formidable western with a sturdy cast. The mean-spiritedness of the picture is extremely tough to shake off however, and action-fans won't get much satisfaction until the bullet-ridden finale. *1/2 from ****
"You've got no business laying your life on the line!"
slymusic10 September 2009
Warning: Spoilers
"Firecreek" is a slow-paced, grisly Western starring two old buddies - James Stewart and Henry Fonda - but the characters they play are NOT friends, oddly enough. (If you have not yet seen this picture, please DO NOT read any further.) Stewart plays Johnny Cobb, a farmer and part-time sheriff with a family. Fonda plays Bob Larkin, the leader of a ruthless gang of hired guns who ride into the sleepy town of Firecreek and stir up trouble. Their horsing around and crude manners persuade the townspeople to try to convince Cobb to place these unwanted visitors in jail, but Cobb refuses. In a short time, however, he comes to realize that turning his back will not mediate tensions, and he finally displays the determination to take a stand against the gang.
The best thing about "Firecreek" is the casting. In addition to the wonderful James Stewart as the morally solid farmer and Henry Fonda as the chief villain with yet a strong sense of decency, the cast includes Inger Stevens as Evelyn, owner of a boarding house where Bob Larkin holes up for a while in order to nurse a bullet wound. (I must admit that I find the attempted romance between Larkin and Evelyn completely unconvincing, hence I am not surprised at the final resolution.) In Larkin's gang are Earl (Gary Lockwood), Drew (James Best), Norman (Jack Elam, one of my favorite Western villains), and Willard (Morgan Woodward). Reverend Broyles is played by the great Ed Begley, and storekeeper Whittier is played by Dean Jagger. Plus we have Brooke Bundy as the strong-willed teen Leah; Louise Latham as Dulcie, Leah's stern mother who hides a heart of gold; J. Robert Porter as the mentally challenged stable boy Arthur; Barbara Luna as Meli, an attractive Native American lady; Jacqueline Scott as Cobb's wife Henrietta; and the wonderful Jay C. Flippen in a small role as Evelyn's crippled father.
The following are my personal favorite scenes from "Firecreek". I absolutely love the gloomy minor-key music score about thirteen and a half minutes into the picture, when Larkin and his gang finally ride into sleepy Firecreek and watch Meli's toddler playing in the mud. While inside Meli's hash house, Norman grabs Meli in an inappropriate place, generating laughter from the Larkin gang as Norman comments about the importance of taking shortcuts and about how Meli "passed inspection". The church service becomes more interesting when the Larkin gang disrupt the proceedings, forcing Cobb to try to settle them down. Loaded with alcohol, Earl and Drew conduct themselves like a matador and bull, respectively. Cobb shares a tender moment with his pregnant wife Henrietta after her false labor. During the showdown, Cobb stabs Norman in the stomach with a pitchfork after a brutal fight. And finally, best of all, is the scene in which Cobb, with a bullet in his leg, hobbles into Whittier's shop demanding a handgun to help him do away with the outlaws; Cobb becomes ENRAGED as he displays his outright determination that the town of Firecreek is NOT full of losers, that it HAS to be worth defending, that it CAN be a place in which its residents can finally have some pride!
"Firecreek" was unfortunately not a successful Western, but, my favorite actor James Stewart being the professional that he was, he gave the role of Johnny Cobb his 100% effort. It may have seemed odd that the Stewart & Henry Fonda characters were cast against each other, but it wouldn't be long until "The Cheyenne Social Club" (1970) would cast them as the two old buddies they always were in real life.
The best thing about "Firecreek" is the casting. In addition to the wonderful James Stewart as the morally solid farmer and Henry Fonda as the chief villain with yet a strong sense of decency, the cast includes Inger Stevens as Evelyn, owner of a boarding house where Bob Larkin holes up for a while in order to nurse a bullet wound. (I must admit that I find the attempted romance between Larkin and Evelyn completely unconvincing, hence I am not surprised at the final resolution.) In Larkin's gang are Earl (Gary Lockwood), Drew (James Best), Norman (Jack Elam, one of my favorite Western villains), and Willard (Morgan Woodward). Reverend Broyles is played by the great Ed Begley, and storekeeper Whittier is played by Dean Jagger. Plus we have Brooke Bundy as the strong-willed teen Leah; Louise Latham as Dulcie, Leah's stern mother who hides a heart of gold; J. Robert Porter as the mentally challenged stable boy Arthur; Barbara Luna as Meli, an attractive Native American lady; Jacqueline Scott as Cobb's wife Henrietta; and the wonderful Jay C. Flippen in a small role as Evelyn's crippled father.
The following are my personal favorite scenes from "Firecreek". I absolutely love the gloomy minor-key music score about thirteen and a half minutes into the picture, when Larkin and his gang finally ride into sleepy Firecreek and watch Meli's toddler playing in the mud. While inside Meli's hash house, Norman grabs Meli in an inappropriate place, generating laughter from the Larkin gang as Norman comments about the importance of taking shortcuts and about how Meli "passed inspection". The church service becomes more interesting when the Larkin gang disrupt the proceedings, forcing Cobb to try to settle them down. Loaded with alcohol, Earl and Drew conduct themselves like a matador and bull, respectively. Cobb shares a tender moment with his pregnant wife Henrietta after her false labor. During the showdown, Cobb stabs Norman in the stomach with a pitchfork after a brutal fight. And finally, best of all, is the scene in which Cobb, with a bullet in his leg, hobbles into Whittier's shop demanding a handgun to help him do away with the outlaws; Cobb becomes ENRAGED as he displays his outright determination that the town of Firecreek is NOT full of losers, that it HAS to be worth defending, that it CAN be a place in which its residents can finally have some pride!
"Firecreek" was unfortunately not a successful Western, but, my favorite actor James Stewart being the professional that he was, he gave the role of Johnny Cobb his 100% effort. It may have seemed odd that the Stewart & Henry Fonda characters were cast against each other, but it wouldn't be long until "The Cheyenne Social Club" (1970) would cast them as the two old buddies they always were in real life.
"A lesson I learned long ago, if a man is worth shooting, he's worth killing"
thinker16918 January 2009
A town is created when people decide, this is where they want to live and plant roots. Once established, it's up to it's citizens to believe in it, if not then it withers and dies and thereafter becomes a ghost town. If a town is to grow and be prosperous, then it's citizens must have law and order, without it, it becomes merely an assorted gathering of people who are nothing more than a mob. In this small frontier town called " Fire Creek " a collection of outlaws passing through, learn it's not the number of lawmen in it which is important, but the special breed of man behind the badge. In this film James Stewart plays Johnny Cobb, a simple farmer who is also the town's sheriff. His hokey, backwoods, lay-ed-back approach to law enforcement gives the impression, he and the town could be easily swept aside with little or no effort. At least that's what Bob Larkin, (Henry Fonda) and his gang believe. The outlaws began throwing their weight around and the town's people do little to reinforce their only lawman. Once gunfire and violence begin, the sheriff does everything he can to see the outlaws are met with fortitude, courage and conviction. The film is a tribute to both Henry Fonda and James Steward who along with other veterans of the big screen such as Gary Lockwood,Jack Elam, James Best, Dean Jagger and Ed Begley give this film a superior excellence beyond it's small stage appearance. ****
Heads above most Westerns, but still not a GREAT Western
vincentlynch-moonoi19 March 2015
Warning: Spoilers
I wonder if anyone has ever figured out how many Western movies have been made over the years. Thousands? And they all boil down to a half-a-dozen basic plots. You could probably take 90% of the Westerns ever made and dump them in a vat of hydrochloric acid, and not many people would ever notice. You'd still have hundreds left.
So the question is, what makes a Western worth watching now that we are well over the 1950s mania for Westerns. Well, somewhat unique plots get extra points (perhaps along the lines of "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valence"). Star power is another factor (such as in "Rio Bravo"). Or the unique ability of a particular director who can weave something special out of very common cloth (such as John Ford).
"Firecreek" is certainly not one of the GREAT Westerns. But I wouldn't dump it in that vat of HCL acid, either. It's saving grace are the performances of the 2 primary stars -- Jimmy Stewart and Henry Fonda. And, the director (whom you probably never heard of) does a nice job (though not award winning level) of telling the story. That story is simple -- the bad guys ride into town (in this case they appear to be ex-Confederates), and it's up to the honorary sheriff (Stewart) to solve the problem. There is a twist -- the chief of the bad guys is none other than Henry Fonda. Of course, Stewart has a family, including a wife who is about to deliver a baby.
There's a problem here, and one that I rarely am concerned with. Jimmy Stewart was 60 years old when he made this film, and yet he's going to be a father again. Not impossible, but this was out of his age range. I much preferred him in "Bandolero" (with Dean Martin), made the same year, where he pretty much acted his age. So, to enjoy "Firecreek", you're going to just have to get over the age issue. I was thinking that they could have solved the issue by having the wife of Stewart's son, who was away for some reason, and Stewart acting as the father/grandfather. That would have worked. I've always felt, also, that Stewart sometimes overacted PHYSICALLY in some action scenes, and he does here; perhaps it's just because of him being so lean and lanky. But it's still a really fine performance.
I'm a little surprised that Henry Fonda accepted this role. In it, he plays a totally pathetic character. He has far fewer good scenes than Jimmy Steward, although a few are really good.
Another problem with this film is that most of the film is a growing menace, and it takes a very long time for the real action to start. When it does, I am reminded of Gary Cooper in "High Noon". Although it's hardly the same story, once again it is one man against the bad guys.
One of the best scenes in the film belongs to Dean Jagger.
The film has some of the best supporting actors around at the time. Inger Stevens An old Dean Jagger. An old Ed Begley. An old Jay C. Flippen. Jack Elam in one of his final films.
This is not one of the great Westerns, but it is heads above your average Western. Recommended.
So the question is, what makes a Western worth watching now that we are well over the 1950s mania for Westerns. Well, somewhat unique plots get extra points (perhaps along the lines of "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valence"). Star power is another factor (such as in "Rio Bravo"). Or the unique ability of a particular director who can weave something special out of very common cloth (such as John Ford).
"Firecreek" is certainly not one of the GREAT Westerns. But I wouldn't dump it in that vat of HCL acid, either. It's saving grace are the performances of the 2 primary stars -- Jimmy Stewart and Henry Fonda. And, the director (whom you probably never heard of) does a nice job (though not award winning level) of telling the story. That story is simple -- the bad guys ride into town (in this case they appear to be ex-Confederates), and it's up to the honorary sheriff (Stewart) to solve the problem. There is a twist -- the chief of the bad guys is none other than Henry Fonda. Of course, Stewart has a family, including a wife who is about to deliver a baby.
There's a problem here, and one that I rarely am concerned with. Jimmy Stewart was 60 years old when he made this film, and yet he's going to be a father again. Not impossible, but this was out of his age range. I much preferred him in "Bandolero" (with Dean Martin), made the same year, where he pretty much acted his age. So, to enjoy "Firecreek", you're going to just have to get over the age issue. I was thinking that they could have solved the issue by having the wife of Stewart's son, who was away for some reason, and Stewart acting as the father/grandfather. That would have worked. I've always felt, also, that Stewart sometimes overacted PHYSICALLY in some action scenes, and he does here; perhaps it's just because of him being so lean and lanky. But it's still a really fine performance.
I'm a little surprised that Henry Fonda accepted this role. In it, he plays a totally pathetic character. He has far fewer good scenes than Jimmy Steward, although a few are really good.
Another problem with this film is that most of the film is a growing menace, and it takes a very long time for the real action to start. When it does, I am reminded of Gary Cooper in "High Noon". Although it's hardly the same story, once again it is one man against the bad guys.
One of the best scenes in the film belongs to Dean Jagger.
The film has some of the best supporting actors around at the time. Inger Stevens An old Dean Jagger. An old Ed Begley. An old Jay C. Flippen. Jack Elam in one of his final films.
This is not one of the great Westerns, but it is heads above your average Western. Recommended.
Deja Vu
DKosty12331 July 2010
Warning: Spoilers
While the acting & the pacing on this film is well done, the film has a couple of things that hold it from being great. One of them is that Jimmy Stewart is playing almost an identical role to one he has played many times in his career. He is again the common everyman who is the accidental hero. By the time this movie is made, Stewart has done this so many times that it has become pretty much routine. I give the make up department credit though, Stewarts hair is really dyed well to try & make him look a little younger than he is by this point.
Henry Fonda plays the head bad guy here. While it is a departure from what he usually plays, there are times where he is a little too wooden & there are times where he is too vulnerable. That is the scripts fault, not Fondas.
The ending here, is one that has been done many times & is much too predictable. Still, the film has good character development, is well filmed, & has a very good cast so I found it good enough to get above it's faults. Still, I think the script could have been better & less predictable that it is.
Henry Fonda plays the head bad guy here. While it is a departure from what he usually plays, there are times where he is a little too wooden & there are times where he is too vulnerable. That is the scripts fault, not Fondas.
The ending here, is one that has been done many times & is much too predictable. Still, the film has good character development, is well filmed, & has a very good cast so I found it good enough to get above it's faults. Still, I think the script could have been better & less predictable that it is.
It's a lesson I learned a long time ago. A man worth shootin' is a man worth killin'.
hitchcockthelegend17 November 2018
Firecreek is directed by Vincent McEveety and written by Calvin Clements Sr. It stars James Stewart and Henry Fonda. Music is by Alfred Newman and cinematography by William H. Clothier.
A Technicolor/Panavision production, plot finds Stewart as Johnny Cobb, the part time Sheriff of Firecreek who has to make a stand when a gang fronted by Fonda's Bob Larkin invade the town and create mayhem.
This be a traditional Western fan's picture, a sort of one for the fans made by stars who served the genre so greatly previously. The story is a complete throwback to the decade previously, even having shades of the magnificent High Noon in the process. It looks fabulous with the great Clothier on photography duty, and with a strong supporting cast list backing up our ever dependable leads it's a production of worth.
It's appreciatively noted that the makers didn't pander to feel good homespun Western formula in story telling, for although it treads a well worn path in plotting, it's a grim and moody piece. Sexual harassment, vigilantism, bullying and revenge fuel the fires in Firecreek, with Stewart and Fonda playing conflicted peace keeper and calm villainy respectively. All this while Newman lays a moody evocative score across the play.
Is there enough within to justify the running time? No not really, we have to deal with pacing issues and the action junkies among us are asked to sit tight till film's closing quarter for a fix. Shaving fifteen minute off of this wouldn't have been hard to do since there are filler sequences that don't improve the narrative. Yet this is still a treasure, where if one is prepared for a deliberately paced adult Western, that's loaded with smart dialogue and compelling performances, then genre entertainment awaits. 7.5/10
A Technicolor/Panavision production, plot finds Stewart as Johnny Cobb, the part time Sheriff of Firecreek who has to make a stand when a gang fronted by Fonda's Bob Larkin invade the town and create mayhem.
This be a traditional Western fan's picture, a sort of one for the fans made by stars who served the genre so greatly previously. The story is a complete throwback to the decade previously, even having shades of the magnificent High Noon in the process. It looks fabulous with the great Clothier on photography duty, and with a strong supporting cast list backing up our ever dependable leads it's a production of worth.
It's appreciatively noted that the makers didn't pander to feel good homespun Western formula in story telling, for although it treads a well worn path in plotting, it's a grim and moody piece. Sexual harassment, vigilantism, bullying and revenge fuel the fires in Firecreek, with Stewart and Fonda playing conflicted peace keeper and calm villainy respectively. All this while Newman lays a moody evocative score across the play.
Is there enough within to justify the running time? No not really, we have to deal with pacing issues and the action junkies among us are asked to sit tight till film's closing quarter for a fix. Shaving fifteen minute off of this wouldn't have been hard to do since there are filler sequences that don't improve the narrative. Yet this is still a treasure, where if one is prepared for a deliberately paced adult Western, that's loaded with smart dialogue and compelling performances, then genre entertainment awaits. 7.5/10
Hard to find a place with no bruises.
michaelRokeefe19 February 2005
Warning: Spoilers
Not just a good western, but great western movie starring James Stewart and Henry Fonda. Stewart plays Johnny Cobb a timid honorary sheriff that is forced to muster enough fortitude to take on a group of gunmen led by Bob Larkin(Fonda). Stewart the natural pacifist sheriff single handedly must protect his town of cowards against the ruthless abuse dealt by Larkin and his minions of the saddle. Kudos to Alfred Newman who provides a provoking score that balances an attempted rape, the reluctant lawman killing one of the outlaws with a pitchfork to the chest, and a hanging in the livery stable. FIRECREEK represents the changing times...great grandpa's westerns were not this blatant and brutal.
This classic western features an all-star cast that includes: Inger Stevens, Gary Lockwood, Jack Elam, BarBara Luna, James Best and John Qualen. Director Vincent McEveety must have felt like he had a wagon train of talent to work with. Note the plot has similarities to that of HIGH NOON(1952).
This classic western features an all-star cast that includes: Inger Stevens, Gary Lockwood, Jack Elam, BarBara Luna, James Best and John Qualen. Director Vincent McEveety must have felt like he had a wagon train of talent to work with. Note the plot has similarities to that of HIGH NOON(1952).
Amazing Western that entertains while sending a good message
tcubbison27 April 2004
This film shows the power of the motion picture. It is entertaining and it sends a strong message about doing the right thing while avoiding stereotyped good and bad characters. It stars Jimmy Stewart as a farmer is also the honorary part time sheriff. A gang of outlaws lead by Henry Fonda rides into town and starts to cause trouble. Stewart and the rest of the town folk want to avoid rocking the boat and figure that the new visitors are none of their business. It is only after a terrible event that Stewart finally realizes the mistake of inaction and understands that it is everyone's responsibility to stand up for what is right. The true beauty of this film is that neither the hero or the villain are common Western stereotypes. They much more resemble real people. The hero is more concerned with his own life and doesn't want to risk bodily harm trying to stop troublemakers that will be gone by morning. The lead villain is a man that seems to be trapped by his own reputation. He doesn't agree with what his gang is doing, but feels that they expect certain things from their leader. He says, "I don't know what to do, I feel like I am on a greased pig trying to hold on." When asked why he doesn't just leave the gang he responds that he spent his whole life building a reputation and he can't go back to being a nobody. The greatness of this picture is that it has the noble purpose of bettering its viewers, but it does not sacrifice its entertainment value to achieve it.
Above-average oater
jamesrupert201412 April 2017
Covering similar ground to the superior "High Noon", "Firecreek" finds sodbuster and part-time sheriff Jimmy Stewart standing up to Henry Fonda's crew of professional killers with no help from his fellow townsmen (expect for a mentally-challenged young man who has a target on his forehead the moment he appears on screen). The acting elevates the pedestrian material with top-billers Stewart and Fonda supported by great character actors like Ed Begley and Jack Elam. As a killer, Fonda plays against type (but not as momentously as he did in the same year's "Once Upon a Time in the West") but Stewart plays his typical soft-spoken, easy-going 'nice guy put in a tough spot'. A good but not great '60s Western highlighting old-school values that were starting to disappear from the genre with the advent of the anti-hero.
Excellent plot with a feel good ending
pauleconway21 September 2006
I had not seen this movie until it appeared on Foxtel Classics a couple of weeks ago and was very pleasantly surprised by it. I have long been a great fan of both James Stewart and Henry Fonda so it was a pleasure to see them together in this well constructed slant on absolute power. The movie itself was a gem with a smoldering if not subtle plot which found a group of exhausted and wounded desperados taking refuge from pursuit in a sleepy backwater, policed reluctantly and part time farmer stroke sheriff stroke father to be for the third time, Johnny Cobb (James Stewart). Leader of the desperados Bob Larkens' (Henry Fonda)initial instinct, though quite badly wounded from an earlier encounter with his pursuers, is to move on immediately and give the place a wide berth. He is however convinced by his fellow gang members (who boast Jack Elam amongst their number) that everything will be fine and that the rest will do them good etc etc. Bob Larken has taken to his bed to lick his wounds and leaves his cronies to amuse themselves with the tiny population of Fireceek.The scene is now set for the inevitable confrontation between right and wrong as the tension between the two sides mounts with a series of events that see the desperados flexing their muscles further and further at the expense of the townsfolks' dignity, culminating in the death of one the gang at the hands of the simple minded stable boy. Who was protecting the honor of a local lady from the unwelcome advances of one of the gang and accidentally shot the attacker.All this of course takes place whilst Johnny Cobb is back on the farm assisting his wife through lab. On his return Johnny finds that the outlaws have taken the law into their own hands and have lynched the boy. At this moment Johnny decides that he has turned the other cheek often enough and that this is the final straw. The ending, though obvious from the beginning, was no less enjoyable for the fact. Its a shame that modern movies do not employ the same degree of detail to set the background before embarking on the action.
Authenticism
trampoline24 February 2019
A typical Hollywood theme
wayn668 October 2006
Warning: Spoilers
I love a good old western, unfortunately this movie follows a plot common to the Hollywood movies of the last thirty years, wasting its A-list cast.
Jimmy Stewart, a real life war veteran, curiously agreed to play a role as a seemingly gutless pacifist sheriff who takes action only when events turn horrific enough to make any man thirst for vengeance. Henry Fonda is quite convincing as the leader of the typical sadistic outlaw gang, who unfortunately gets too much time to practice their cruelty on the meek townspeople.
Only watch this if you enjoy evil men terrorizing innocent and defenseless townspeople for the vast majority of the film, only to be thwarted by somebody finally developing fortitude enough to dispense long overdue justice in the last ten minutes.
I've never understood how movies which main content involves seeing people stripped of their dignity serves as "entertainment".
Jimmy Stewart, a real life war veteran, curiously agreed to play a role as a seemingly gutless pacifist sheriff who takes action only when events turn horrific enough to make any man thirst for vengeance. Henry Fonda is quite convincing as the leader of the typical sadistic outlaw gang, who unfortunately gets too much time to practice their cruelty on the meek townspeople.
Only watch this if you enjoy evil men terrorizing innocent and defenseless townspeople for the vast majority of the film, only to be thwarted by somebody finally developing fortitude enough to dispense long overdue justice in the last ten minutes.
I've never understood how movies which main content involves seeing people stripped of their dignity serves as "entertainment".
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