I am not sure why this film is not shown more often on television. I watched it as a lark, and was very glad that I did. Wallace Berry does an excellent job of playing the bad guy with a soft spot for a young man who he learns is actually his son - reminding one of his portrayal of Long John Silver in Treasure Island. Berry's character is bad - best witnessed by a cold blooded murder of someone who thought he might have a soft spot and later during the collecting of taxes. The story revolves around the newcomers to the Old West who want law and order and the old timers who ruled by intimidation and violence. In many ways, Wallace has sown his own fate. Joseph Calleia does an equally good job at playing the loyal (and in this case evil) sidekick. Dennis O'Keefe (in one of his first credited roles) does well as the son and the scene in which he realizes he is in love with Virginia Bruce's character is bound to bring smiles to any young man who remembers his first love. Lewis Stone does a very good job as the lawyer/judge who knows better but is seduced by the dark side of the Old West. The plot is more complex than can be summarized and the writing is first rate. Some scene are not especially politically correct these days - native Americans might be offended. Highly recommended - watch it if you can find it on.
Review of The Bad Man of Brimstone
