Angel and the Badman
Clips from this movie were used in the flashback scenes in John Wayne's final movie, The Shootist (1976).,When Penny wheels the wagon around to pick up Quirt at the beginning of the movie, you can see an extra set of reins coming out of a small "window" that is visible below the wagon seat where the actual wagon driver (the stunt driver) is controlling the team of horses.,Quirt Evans: I thought you weren't allowed to work on Sunday.
Penelope Worth: Oh, Quirt, there's nothing we're not allowed to do. It's just that we don't believe in doing what we know is wrong.
Quirt Evans: Well, that makes it pretty much each fella's own guess.
Penelope Worth: But each fella knows inside.
Quirt Evans: Well, there's a lot of gents I wouldn't want to give that much leeway to.,Also available in a colorized version.,Featured in The Apartment (1960),A Little Bit Different
(uncredited)
Written by Kim Gannon and Walter Kent
Performed by Joan Barton,John Wayne's performance in this film is one of my favorites from his long (if not exceptionally versatile) career. As an embittered gunslinger groping his way toward love and redemption, he makes the character's inner growth apparent by not allowing it to come to the surface except in neatly timed glance, frowns and smiles. The cool detachment of his character reminds us that he is really more dangerous than the young Penny (Gail Russell) perceives, and more thoughtful than those who know him as a gunfighter understand.

As dramatic action film, the film is well paced, and glows with considerable polish throughout. The production team is that of John Ford's of the time, and they are in top form here. Writer-director Grant (another Ford insider) has given us an excellent script and able direction.

The film was produced by John Wayne himself, who knew a good story, and who here allows us an odd insight into his personal politics - which were far more complicated than his right-wing fans or left-wing detractors ever understood. In the wake of the Second World War (and we all remember Wayne's war films), Wayne here produced one of the best defenses of religion-based pacifism on film. It should be remembered that during the First World War, Woodrow Wilson had pacifists jailed; in a little known incident in Wyoming Army recruiters dragged several Amish into jail and beat them brutally - several died. If I had to choose between Woodrow Wilson and John Wayne for president, I'd vote for Wayne.

Angel and the Badman speaks well of Wayne's conscience, and reminds us that, in his own rough way, he could respect the honest consciences of others. Whatever else we think of him, let us remember that he was a man who deserved - and gave - respect. This is, over all, the most respectful film he ever made, giving us his most respectable performance.,