Guns Of The Timberland (1960)

A logger (Alan Ladd) has a government grant to cut down timber in the high country mountains. But the townspeople resist the loggers' attempt to cut down the trees because the clear cutting means when the rains come, there is no protection as the mudslides ruin their grass and their town. Based on the Louis L'Amour novel, directed by Robert D. Webb (BENEATH THE 12 MILE REEF) and produced and co-written by Aaron Spelling. This is a routine western programmer with nothing to recommend it. It's disconcerting to see the aging Ladd as he looks bloated and puffy and you can't take your eyes off him but for all the wrong reasons! Meanwhile, his leading lady Jeanne Crain still looks drop dead gorgeous! Teen idol Frankie Avalon makes his film acting debut here and sings two anachronistic pop songs which only adds to the patchy quality of an already mediocre western. The film does touch on an important subject but it doesn't do anything with it. Namely, the destruction of the natural environment without any checks and balances. The best thing about the film is Crain as the feisty rancher lady, small compensation but you take what you can get. But oh that ending is a real groaner! With Gilbert Roland, Lyle Bettger, Verna Felton, Johnny Seven and Regis Toomey.