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A late 60's western about ruthless cattle ranchers and their ranch hands who terrorize helpless sheep ranchers, with the action alternating between the range, the ranch, and the town, itself with a thriving saloon/brothel where a lot of the action is centered. Into this arrives an ex gunfighter turned preacher played by Glenn Ford who wants to bring peace. The script nearly does the film in, although the story and late 60's permissiveness keep one watching. As well, even though the screenplay verges on being ridiculous, the acting by Ford, John Anderson (as the ruthless big cattle rancher with a sadistic son played by David Carridine) and some other parts (J.D. Cannon chews some serious scenery as hired gun Mace) elevate the entertainment quotient, and the film's ending doesn't make one feel remorse about watching this.

I became a movie buff at age 13, (now 63), and would have crawled to the local theater over broken glass, to see any cowboy movie showing, if I had to. By the time I was 16 years of age, I was a devout Randolph Scott, Audie Murphy fan, but when I saw "Heaven With A Gun", Glenn Ford instantly became my number 1 cowboy hero, and me old mates Randolph and Audie had to take a back seat. For me, due to the humble, yet determined character Glenn Ford played so beautifully, this movie offered some great moralistic encouragement, and at the same time, stimulated an enthusiasm to believe in myself against all odds and "stick to my guns", as the expression goes. You will relate to this expression if you watch the movie. If anybody knows where I can buy this difficult-to-purchase movie, please let me know. (noel@youngnoel.com). I would do absolutely anything to add this movie to my collection. If you want to be truly entertained, this is a "Must-see" movie.

After a solid first hour, "Heaven With a Gun" thins out and becomes slightly more than routine. The movie could have used less sadism and sensationalism; while a topless Angelique Pettijohn is appreciated, gratuitous nudity tends to put off the very audience attracted to this kind of western. Carolyn Jones is nearly wasted, and I really wanted to know more about her prior relationship with Ford. Barbara Hershey does a fine job as the half-breed Hopi whom Ford protects. Ford and Hershey's relationship could have also used a little more sexual tension; and Hershey, to her credit, seemed ready to provide it.

Production values are good, if not spectacular, and director Lee Katzin, while no Sergio Leone, keeps things moving nicely.

"Heaven With a Gun" is a cut above most of Glenn Ford's later western. Too bad MGM didn't put a little more into the story and running time.

I give "Heaven With a Gun" a weak "7".

Heaven with a Gun is directed by Lee Katzin and written by Richard Carr. it stars Glenn Ford, Carolyn Jones, Barbara Hershey, John Anderson, David Carradine, J.D. Cannon and Noah Beery Jr. Music is by Johnny Mandel and the Metrocolor/Panavision cinematography is by Fred Koenekamp.

This is a good ole late 1960s Oater, not one to rush out and see immediately, or quickly part with your cash to buy or rent - or go out and steal. But it has Glenn Ford, who maybe in the twilight of his career, but still a bad mutha with gun, shovel and a pulpit! Yep, the punching preacher indeed.

Lambs to the slaughter.

It's the town of Vinegarroon and a war is raging between cattle and sheep breeders. Into this walks Jim Killian (Ford), a famed gunfighter who has come to build a church and preach the bible. However, Pastor Jim is not afraid to use his guns in the name of the Lord!

The God Squad.

It is what it is in that respect, the cheeky kicker here is that Killian is unorthodox in his methods, anyone wanting to come to church will be guaranteed safety, important since Killian is trying to convince the cattle and sheep barons that they can co-exist, that the animals (all God's creatures of course) can do it, and thus so can the humans. Naturally some are more keen to give it a try than others - cue intimidation and bloodshed, Killian clearly has his work cut out here...

The musical score is a touch out of place, one big turn of events feels completely unnecessary, while the delectable Hershey works hard but never comes close to convincing as a girl of Indian blood. Converseley the Arizona locales are nicely prominent, while Anderson does his stuff, Carradine fits well as a dastard hot-head and Beery Junior is a reassuring presence. As is Ford, a Western actor that fans can rely on, to feel safe around, it is he that keeps this on the good side of good. 7/10

It's looks like a deja vu on Ford's way, likes in "The Sheepman" he has to handling this matter again, this turn he is a sort of gunfighter and pastor, trying to make peace among them, the old stars like Ford and Jones appear newcomers as David Carradine & Barbara Hershey promissing actors to next generation.

Meanwhile we have the fine John Anderson as angry rancher and Noah Beery Jr. Who seem to be enough mind to realise such killing, apart that the saloon's girls garnish the picture with some rare nude scenes in werstern in this period, really the time is changing!!

Resume:

First watch: 1990 / How many: 4 / Source: TV-DVD / Rating: 7.

Solid acting (Noah Beery Jr, John Anderson, Glenn Ford, Barbara Hershey, and David Carradine) is compromised by formulaic direction and a script that zig-zags, forgets, remembers, and improvises, but the action occasionally rises, and the preacher-gunman conflict keeps things on track just enough to keep one watching till the end.

From the distance of 2010, 60s cultural interest is raised by the film's brief, gratuitous, and confusing nudity, as well as Barbara Hershey's hippie depiction of a half-Hopi girl, but the biggest surprise may be that this otherwise predictable western was produced as late as 1969. Except for those 60s flashes, I could imagine my parents and their siblings enjoying something similar in 1955, while I would have wished for a hero less earnest and boring than Ford.

Among the film's skewed lines, the oddest may be that the sheep-herder side of the range war is first identified with American Indians but is then shifted to a polygamous Mormon. I'd like to go back to 1969 and be 18 again, but no wonder I felt confused.

A seasoned gunslinger comes to a town in the Southwest (Glenn Ford) where he finds himself aiding sheepherders against proud cattlemen (John Anderson, David Carradine, Noah Beery Jr., etc.). Yet his real intention is to start a church (!). Carolyn Jones is on hand as a saloon operator.

"Heaven with a Gun" (1969) was originally announced in the mid-50s as a vehicle starring Gregory Peck. A dozen years later it was finally shot with Ford as the lead and the addition of some fashionable elements inspired by the late 60s, like Barbara Hershey as the hippie-like half-breed, including a scene where she sits naked outside the preacher's house amazed by the starry panorama.

The obvious comparison would be "Pale Rider" (1985), but Ford's pastor is thoroughly mundane compared to Eastwood's 'preacher,' lacking the vague supernatural angle of that later flick.

The script commendably shows a real West of working cattlemen and respectfully fleshes them out in the second half, but the sympathetic commentaries regarding the mogul's son (Carradine) by his father (Anderson) and the ramrod (Beery Jr.) are wasted since it had been established by that point that Coke is a detestable piece of you-know-what. Then again, what happens to him is fitting.

Angelique Pettyjohn is a highlight on the feminine front as prostitute Emily; she was 25 during shooting and never looked better. You might remember her from her most popular role as Shahna in the Star Trek episode "The Gamesters of Triskelion" where she wore a futuristic tinfoil bikini. Here she has a surprising nude scene that's more artful than offensive (but be warned if nudity offends you).

The biggest problem with the film is the shallow tip of the hat to pacifism under the guise of being biblical when it's actually hypocritical. To explain, the protagonist gives up his firearms at the end to nobly confront the situation in a nonviolent manner, but the situation is resolved by another man with a gun. I suppose such doublespeak could be defended on the grounds that the wise MIDDLE GROUND between absolute pacifism and rash violence is the way to go. In other words, speak softly and strive for peace, but carry a big stick for when you might need it.

As for absolute pacifism being biblical, it's not; LIMITED pacifism is. Sure, the Lord told Peter in Gethsemane "Those who live by the sword will perish by the sword," but his initial instruction was for Peter to "put the sword back in its place," NOT throw it away (Matthew 26:52). There's a difference between living by the sword and utilizing it when necessary, which explains why some of the disciples carried swords during their ministerial travels in the first place (fully known by Christ).

A good example of limited pacifism is when the returning Hebrews restored the walls of Jerusalem, they posted armed guards for protection from deadly enemies (Nehemiah 4:7-9). Simply put, in a wicked world arms are sometimes necessary, such as any potentially life-threatening situation.

There's enough good in "Heaven with a Gun" to make it worth checking out, but the storytelling is a little tedious even though spliced with interesting bits. It needed a rewrite to flush out its potential.

The film runs 1 hour, 41 minutes, and was mostly shot in Arizona, including Old Tucson.

GRADE: B-/C+

Glenn Ford ("The Big Heat") stars as Jim Killian, a reformed gunslinger who comes to a small town in the hopes of becoming a preacher. He finds that there are tremendous tensions between the ranchers, some of them cattle men and some of them sheep-herders. Jim aims to show them that they CAN all get along, just as their herds can. However, things get out of control anyway, thanks to terminally stubborn cattle rancher Asa Beck (John Anderson, "Psycho") and his trouble-making son "Coke" (David Carradine, "Kill Bill"). The wannabe holy man must make a choice between being the peaceful man of God and using his gun again.

While it is true that some of the characters could have used more fleshing out (Carolyn "Morticia Addams" Jones in particular is under-utilized as a saloon / brothel owner and former flame of Jims'), "Heaven with a Gun" is a thoroughly decent Western with an entertaining (if undeniably absurd at times) story. Ford doesn't have to stretch himself here, but the actors playing the villains are clearly enjoying themselves, and that includes J. D. Cannon ('McCloud') as a slimy hired gun who relishes relating Jims' sordid back story to the townspeople.

Director Lee H. Katzin ("Le Mans", "World Gone Wild") is no master stylist, but is certainly capable enough. What IS surprising is how nasty & gory this gets at times; as well, the lovely Barbara Hershey ("The Entity") and Angelique Pettyjohn ("The Lost Empire") provide some welcome nudity. There is also, however, an ugly scene with Carradine & Hershey (who, as buffs well know, were a real-life item for a while).

"Heaven with a Gun" is likewise worth watching for an eclectic supporting cast consisting of Noah Beery Jr. ('The Rockford Files'), Harry Townes ("Fitzwilly"), William Bryant ("McQ"), Virginia Gregg ("Operation Petticoat"), James Griffith ("The Amazing Transparent Man"), Roger Perry (the "Count Yorga" films), Ed Bakey ("Dead & Buried"), and Barbara Babcock ("The Black Marble").

Although some of those aforementioned elements will displease lovers of classic Westerns, they may well intrigue viewers with different sensibilities.

Seven out of 10.

Passable western looks like movie-backlot goods, but does feature a very fine performance by young Barbara Hershey (in only her second picture), and also by Hershey's future-squeeze David Carradine, in this melodramatic story of a new preacher in a tumbleweed town who is eventually forced into taking on the bad guys. Glenn Ford has the lead and he's solid as usual (Ford never really disappoints, but rarely did he try anything new; even as the heavy in "3:10 To Yuma" he was in fine form and yet unsurprising). Admirers of Hershey should take a look, she's really terrific. ** from ****

Glenn Ford turns in a fine performance, contrary to what some have said. Who better to portray a reluctant hero, a reformed gunfighter/preacher? Clint Eastwood--John Wayne? Don't be ridiculous. Ford is perfect for the part, just as Clint was perfect for the Man with No Name and Dirty Harry, and the Duke was perfect for the lead role in The Cowboys and True Grit. If you don't like Glenn Ford, fine. But don't belittle his acting. I'm a fan of Eastwood and Wayne, but Ford is a better actor than either. David Carradine turns in a top notch acting job also as a villain/foil to Ford as hero. True Western fans will appreciate this film.

This film started off well enough, despite a hanging. There was a lot of catchy dialogue and also lots of humor. The general store scene where Glen Ford wants to buy Barbara Hershey a dress is very funny, but Caroline Jones totally steals the scene. If the film continued at this pace, it would have been very entertaining and enjoyable. However, for some totally unexplainable reason, the film goes completely off the deep end and becomes a sadistic, brutal, perverted and violent disaster. Without giving anything away, there is a disgusting scalping, an even more disturbing castration, and a nauseating brutal rape. Is that entertaining? Not for me. Positive points, some decent acting, especially by Miss Jones. Barbara Hershey is gorgeous and Mr Ford is always likeable.

(1969) Heaven With A Gun WESTERN

Glenn Ford plays as a professional gunfighter, Jim Killian stopping by to a town with no sheriff, or judge for that matter, intending to open a church and to be a pastor. Forced by the hand to settle a dispute between sheep and cattle men, leading to some unfortunate circumstances.

I like Glen Ford Westerns but this film does not do anything for me. It is another one those films where the good guy does not do anything until it is too late, causing deaths of some characters I cared about. The movie also stars a rather young David Carradine and Barbara Hershey as the lonely Native American, Leloopa.

Fair western drama/action movie about 19th century western feud between cattle ranchers and shepherds gone astray.Good acting by lead actors and Hershey is as sexy as ever.This movie would have been much better with a better lead actor besides Glenn Ford and the directing,screenplay and cinematography was only average.Too bad because the story and script was good and deserved a much better production effort.......

Known gunfighter Glenn Ford arrives in the town of Vinegarroon a name made famous as the seat of Judge Roy Bean's court. But here the local power is the local Ponderosa owner John Anderson and his punk of a son David Carradine. Some sheepman have been intruding on government range and Anderson isn't having any.

When Ford comes to town he takes a lease on an old barn and then reveals he's now a minister as well, but ready to back his sermons with gunfire if necessary. He tries to bring peace to the cattlemen and the sheepmen. His main allies though are the women of the locale.

Two women prominently figure in this film. One is Carolyn Jones who runs the local watering hole. In keeping with the times the film is quite specific about what the women are there for. Jones and Ford have history. Looking to make some history with Ford is Barbara Hershey who is a young Indian girl he rescues. Also in keeping with the abolition of the Code is one brutal rape scene involving her and her real life husband David Carradine.

Despite the sexual frankness Heaven With A Gun has an old fashioned look to it. It's not in the same league as some of Ford's earlier westerns like 3:10 To Yuma, Jubal, or The Violent Men. But his fans should be pleased.

The climax is borrowed some from Destry Rides Again and some from Duel In The Sun.

... I thought as I waited for 6AM to come so I could record a documentary on Bette Davis that is not on DVD yet. Having a bad habit of falling asleep in the middle of a movie in the wee hours, I dared not change the channel at 4AM lest I fall asleep and wind up recording "Fox and Friends" instead of the documentary for which I had set my DVR timer.

Thus began the 100 minute or so ordeal of watching this film. It would almost be worth buying the DVD - if it existed with commentary - to see how a film with such excellent actors and acting could so misfire in the plot department. You get down to the seventh bill before you even get to Noah Beery Jr. with the players in the upper bills including the excellent Glenn Ford, David Carradine, Carolyn Jones, and John Anderson, all turning in solid performances while spouting gibberish - endless gibberish - with literally no action. Meanwhile Barbara Hershey seems to be doing a screen test for a bit part in "Billy Jack" and somehow wandered on to the wrong set.

It is supposed to be the time-honored western tale of cattlemen versus sheepherders, but everyone just stands around, talking. The hippie spirit of "Easy Rider" got injected into this one, but "Born to be Wild" just sounds silly on horseback.

What you have here is a western made late in the period of Westerns. For us of that era, we see the similar. Beery, Anderson, Griffith, Bryant are western mainstays. Especially Anderson. They came from the late 30s. We KNOW they're acting level. They don't even need scripts. In this movie they are bringing the next generation up, like David Carradine who is not his father John, but does ok. These actors and actresses, especially Carolyn, a favorite from the noirs are known characters. Even Glenn still wears his brown corduroy jacket that he wore in Evil Gun on 1958. And he wears on Cades County etc. Its his character. The acting in these artists is always good. Its THEM. What is bad is the late 1960s silent directing coming into the 70s where blood and gore gets more prevalent, like in Gene Hackman. Thats when westerns became awful. This Glenn Ford movie is one of the last of the era. I could see it over and over. Oh and the plot, it is one of seven pulled for a western story, dealing with land rights. It looks to me some commentels are judging by today's movies for comparison. Like even mentioning Eastwood..come on. This story isn't in Eastwood's generation. But if you want to see Clint in Sheep watch the Rawhide episode where he becomes a sheep man.