HIGH LONESOME

Cinemavixion Review

Alan Le May's 1950 Western, "High Lonesome," offers a compelling, albeit somewhat dated, narrative set against the stark beauty of Texas' Big Bend country. The film centers on a young drifter, played by John Drew Barrymore, whose arrival coincides with a series of perplexing murders. Suspicion immediately falls upon him, a common trope in Westerns that Le May utilizes to explore themes of prejudice and the unreliable nature of first impressions. The plot, as detailed by external sources, unfolds with a mystery that deepens as the drifter's story is scrutinized by the ranching community. His claims of self-defense and spectral figures from the past add layers of intrigue, blurring the lines between sanity and delusion. While the film may not boast the high-octane action of more modern Westerns, its strength lies in its atmospheric tension and character-driven drama. The performances, particularly from Barrymore and the seasoned Chill Wills, anchor the narrative, drawing the audience into the harsh realities and suspicions of frontier life. "High Lonesome" is a solid entry into the Western genre, worth seeking out for its intriguing plot and classic setting.