Despite its awkward title, Nicholas Ray's 1952 neo western 'The Lusty Men' is well respected, boasting a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film tells the story of a has-been rodeo rider (Robert Mitchum) coaching an up and commer (Arthur Kennedy) and in the process falling in love with his pupils wife (Susan Hayward).
Done in a semi-documentary style and filmed on location in eight different western states, the film is all in on authenticity. The three central players are supported by a small host of vivid character parts, including the memorable Burt Mustin in the biggest feature film part I'd ever seen him play. Also of note on that front are Frank Faylon and Maria Hart.
Of the central three Arthur Kennedy is by far the weakest, though he's still good and has a charming smile. Mitchum has an admirable subtily in this, you immediately sympathize with him, but he comes to show a more manipulative side and I went back and forth on what I thought of his character several times, which is much of the point of the movie. Susan Hayward gives the movies stand out performance however as a practical minded girl doing her best to support her husband's passion, against her better judgment. She conveys real substance, a quite thinker who is still subject to her own strong emotions. They keep Hayward dressed down for most of the picture so when you see her in finery and makeup near the end of the movie the effect is extra stunning. I find it amusing that the advertisements for this black and white picture make such a point of Miss Hayward's being a redhead.
I confess this movie took me awhile to get into, I remember at about the half way point admiring the film but wondering why people loved it so much, by the end I understood. A film of some subtlety and a world worn artistry seldom seen in a studio picture of its time. ***1/2
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