Very fine, relationship driven western

Author: Joseph Harder from warren michigan
30 July 2000

Anthony Mann's magnificent pyschological westerns, beginning with Winchester 76 and ending with Man of The West,were among the glories of American film in the fifties.Tin Star is unique in this series of films for two reasons. First, it is slightly "lighter' and more optimistic in tone that the other, darker, films.Secondly, while the other films center around a single, obsessed,( if not POSSESSED)antagonist, usually played by Jimmy Stewart) Tin star is builtaround a relationship between TWO protagonists, superbly played by Henry Fonda and Anthony Perkins. In any other Mann western, Fonda, disillusioned Sheriff-turned cynical bounty hunter would be the near-pyschotic tragic hero.Here, instead,he is the teacher- in fact, the spiritual instructor- of Perkins' naive, stubborn, but brave and idealistic sheriff. The film ends, not with Fondas character trudging off to "walk the earth", like Ethan Edwards, but rather with him ready to begin a new life with son and a family,. At the way, Perkins has become a man capable of leadership in the community. This is, in short, a remarkably rich, thought-provoking film.

Excellent mix of character study and action

Author: mgolfguy57 from No. Attleboro, MA
29 May 2004

When commenting on The Tin Star, one need only mention one name: Henry Fonda. Unquestionably one of the finest screen actors this country has ever produced,he effortlessly weaves an enjoyable blend of wisdom, grit and compassion throughout this interesting and well-acted western. With an excellent supporting cast (including a very young Anthony Perkins), The Tin Star is a western the whole family can enjoy. Its appeal stems from two primary factors that are the basis of any quality film... acting talent at its best and an interesting storyline that is simple to follow yet captivating for its direct approach to the issues at hand.

The DVD quality of this Paramount release is very good, although lacking in extra features. But after watching the movie, I found myself not wanting for anything extra... the feature presentation was left to stand on its own and, in my opinion, did just fine. It's amazing that, nearly fifty years after its release, The Tin Star can still speak to us, if we care to listen, of honest, simple values, the importance of loyalty, and how the difference between right and wrong doesn't always have to be as complicated as today's world leads us to believe. And, of course, having Henry Fonda and his incredible talent to present this package to us can only help to improve any film's chances for success. Highly recommended for any fan of Henry Fonda or westerns of the "High Noon" variety.