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Coming out in
the late, hip Sixties, Five Card Stud looks to have been a last ditch attempt
to capitalize on the waning popularity of the western. To further bolster their
chances of success, Dean Martin of The Rat Pack fame was culled to be the lead
cowboy in the film. This is not in any way a Western Movie.
This is
going to happen quickly, so don't blink because Five Card Stud is a movie that
can be quickly and easily summarized. Van Morgan (Dean Martin) is perhaps the
best gambler in the West; he's definitely the best gambler in the town of
Rincon. One night, Van and six locals are playing some five card stud when it
is discovered that the newcomer in the game is cheating. Everyone is as mad as
a rattler and soon a hanging party is formed. Van tries to stop the execution
but is knocked out by Nick Evers (Roddy McDowell), a player at the game and
leader of this lynch mob. When Van regains consciousness, he sadly realizes
that he failed to prevent the murder of the cheater. Being uncomfortable with
staying in Rincon, he leaves for Denver to try his gambling skills in the big
city.
Things happen quickly in Rincon. No sooner has Van left when gold
is discovered in them nearby hills, and with gold comes a flock of newcomers to
town including Reverend Jonathon Rudd (Robert Mitchum) |
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| The very next day, two
more men and found murdered. The sheriff is at a loss and the residents are
getting afraid. News of the murders makes its way to the Denver newspaper where
Van reads the story. He realizes that the two dead men were members of that
fateful lynch mob. Knowing he could be a target, he decides to venture back to
Rincon because it's better to confront danger head on. Van's instincts are
right for he quick figures out that someone is out for revenge as, one by one,
members of the hanging party are being killed. Who is the murderer? Why is
he/she killing the card players? Will Van be killed or will he find the killer?
Will Van find true love in Rincon? Will Roddy do any monkey impressions? Will
Dean break out into song? |
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This movie has all your
favorite cowboy clichés: the telegraphed punches, the swagger, the poker
games, the piano in the bar, and the fire and brimstone sermon by the preacher.
IBecause of the layer of comedy in this film, I recommend Five Card
Stud. There isn't much of a mystery, but you'll enjoy the cheap jabs made at
Dean's expense and his light-footed interaction with the ladies. The gunfights
aren't too bad either; and, if I recall, something blows up quite nicely too. A
nice atypical Western for those of you who enjoy this genre. |
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| Director |
Henry Hathaway
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Dean
Martin |
Van
Morgan |
| Writing |
Ray
Gaulden |
Robert
Mitchum |
The Rev.
Jonathan Rudd |
| Cinematography |
Daniel L. Fapp
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Inger
Stevens |
Lily
Langford |
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Top Quote From
This Movie
"You saved my life. I owe you so name it."
"Come
to sermons for the next month."
"That's a steep price for just my life."
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