On the trail of death
| Movie | |
|---|---|
| German title | On the trail of death |
| Original title | Red Sundown |
| Country of production | United States |
| original language | English |
| Publishing year | 1956 |
| length | 78 minutes |
| Age rating | FSK 12 |
| Rod | |
| Director | Jack Arnold |
| script | Martin Berkeley |
| production | Albert Zugsmith |
| music | Hans J. Salter |
| camera | William E. Snyder |
| cut | Eduard Curtiss |
| occupation | |
| |
On the Trail of Death ( English : Red Sundown ) is an American western by Jack Arnold from 1956 based on the novel Black Trail by Lewis B. Patten . The film opened in German cinemas on August 24, 1956.
content
In the Texas wasteland, the gunslinger Alec Longmire saves the Desperado Bud Purvis from dying of thirst. The two ride together to the small village of Paeso.
During an argument in the saloon, Alec shoots one of the brawlers in self-defense, whereupon Alec and Bud have to flee the village. The two men find refuge in an abandoned hut, but are tracked down by their pursuers during the night. Bud is badly wounded during an exchange of fire. He suggests that Alec dig a grave to hide in. He would get the air he needed through an old stovepipe. He himself has no chance of survival and would sacrifice himself to hold off the enemy. However, Alec has to promise him that he will start a new life and no longer earn his living with the revolver. With this ruse, Alec survived the shooting and the fire in the hut and was not found by the bullies.
After the successful escape, Alec rides to Durango, where, despite his promise, he takes the position of deputy sheriff to assist the sheriff in the fight against rival cattle farmers. On the same evening, Alec witnessed a conversation between two farmers who were planning an attack against the warring cattle baron Henshaw. In order to prevent this pasture area from being fenced in, they want to steal his cart, which is standing in the city, with barbed wire and sink it in the river. Alec warns Hesham's people that he can barely prevent a fight between the two warring groups. When the farmer Sam Baldwin, opponent of the cattle baron, confronts him, he takes Baldwin into custody for the night to avoid further incidents. Alec suspects a trap for Baldwin behind the car that has stopped in town and suggests that Henshaw will do so. He then tries in vain to bribe Alec and Sheriff Murphy to let him have their way.
In the meantime, Henshaw has hired the gunslinger Chet Swann, who intimidates Baldwin and gives him 24 hours to leave town. Finally, Henshaw rides confident of victory with his men into town to announce the fencing of the pastureland. The two law enforcement officers are prepared, however, appear unimpressed and Alec finally arrests Hershaw after a fight.
Swann ambushes the Sheriff and his daughter Caroline in town and shoots Murphy. The sounds of the shooting make Alec rush over. There is a final exchange of fire between Alec and Swann, which Alec finally wins by killing his opponent. Alec could not keep his promise to swear off the gun to Bud, so he says goodbye to the injured sheriff and his daughter and leaves town.
Soundtrack
The theme song Red Sundown is sung by Terry Gilkyson .
criticism
The film service certifies that the film has a logical structure and a realistic approach to the subject of self-defense.
Web links
- On the trail of death in the Internet Movie Database (English)
- On the trail of death in the online film database
Individual evidence
- ↑ Release certificate for On the Trail of Death . Voluntary self-regulation of the film industry (PDF; test number: 11613).
- ^ Film review on filmdienst.de , accessed August 7, 2019