Orson Welles was not the only director to benefit from the services of innovative cinematographer Gregg Toland as his six colloborations with William Wyler helped establish and cement that director's reputation. This is their fourth film together and also marks the first of six films featuring Gary Cooper and inveterate scene stealer Walter Brennan who won this third 'supporting actor' Oscar for his splendid performance as Judge Roy Bean which puts those of Paul Newman and Victor Jory firmly in the shade.
Needless to say the decidedly odd relationship between Harden and Bean is the film's linchpin and the dynamic between these two actors is mesmerising. There is also a telling performance by Doris Davenport and it is to be lamented that she was unable to build on this and fulfil her potential.
Even by the standards of Hollywoodland the film plays fast and loose with the Bean legend but of course the reality was far less entertaining as he never met Lillie Langtry and died in his sleep at the age of 78.
The highlight is the crop fire, despite the obvious back projection whilst the powerful score is by Dimitri Tiomkin and an uncredited Alfred Newman.
What can one say of William Wyler? This much lauded and awarded director, affectionately known as '40-take' Wyler, is quite simply one of the greatest. He was certainly tough on his actors but no less than fourteen of them won Oscars under his demanding direction. One of those who expressed their gratitude was Charlton Heston who likened working with Wyler to having a Turkish bath. "You damn near drown but you come out smelling like roses."
Needless to say the decidedly odd relationship between Harden and Bean is the film's linchpin and the dynamic between these two actors is mesmerising. There is also a telling performance by Doris Davenport and it is to be lamented that she was unable to build on this and fulfil her potential.
Even by the standards of Hollywoodland the film plays fast and loose with the Bean legend but of course the reality was far less entertaining as he never met Lillie Langtry and died in his sleep at the age of 78.
The highlight is the crop fire, despite the obvious back projection whilst the powerful score is by Dimitri Tiomkin and an uncredited Alfred Newman.
What can one say of William Wyler? This much lauded and awarded director, affectionately known as '40-take' Wyler, is quite simply one of the greatest. He was certainly tough on his actors but no less than fourteen of them won Oscars under his demanding direction. One of those who expressed their gratitude was Charlton Heston who likened working with Wyler to having a Turkish bath. "You damn near drown but you come out smelling like roses."