Seven Angry Men (1955)

In 1856 prior to the war between the States, the notorious abolitionist John Brown (Raymond Massey) believes in action rather than talk and in armed insurrection. Directed by Charles Marquis Warren, the film is interesting as long as it sticks to Brown and his often unethical actions for a noble cause. Alas, too much of the film is devoted to a dreary romance between Jeffrey Hunter as one of Brown's sons and Debra Paget which weighs the movie down. Frankly, I don't know how historically accurate the film is but this being Hollywood 1955, I'd venture to say not much. John Brown was a fascinating historical figure and the entire disastrous raid on Harpers Ferry could make for an entire feature film all by itself. But here, it's saved for the end and seems rushed. The film can't seem to get a grip on Brown. Was he a religious fanatic and a madman? Or was he a heroic figure fighting against the degradation of slavery. It's an adequate movie at most. With Dennis Weaver, Guy Williams, Leo Gordon, John Smith, John Lupton, Larry Pennell, James Edwards and Ann Tyrrell.