The Hangman (1959)

A U.S. marshal (Robert Taylor) is tracking down a man (Jack Lord) who was part of a robbery that resulted in a killing. The problem is that the only person who can identify him is a woman (Tina Louise) who was once in love with him. His job is further hampered when the townsfolk are downright hostile toward him because the suspected killer is beloved by the entire town. Directed by the prolific Michael Curtiz, this is a decent if unexceptional western. It connects all the right dots but one wishes for a detour from the predictable path. There's not much one can say about a fairly generic western like this. To its credit, the film seems more interested in the psychological aspects of the story rather than the usual shoot 'em up. Taylor, who became a better actor as he aged, manages to bring a few layers to his cynical character while Tina Louise can't do much with her role. Loyal Griggs (SHANE) is responsible for the sharp B&W cinematography. With Fess Parker, Lorne Greene, Mickey Shaughnessy, Gene Evans and Mabel Albertson.