Wuchak
_**"This town's not big enough for the both of us" (literally)**_ Released in 1958, "The Law and Jake Wade" stars Robert Taylor as the title character who was an outlaw after the Civil War, but is now a sheriff out West. A member of his ...
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The Law and Jake Wade
1958
Movie
86 min
English
Jake Wade breaks Clint Hollister out of jail to pay off an old debt, though it's clear there is some pretty deep hostility between them. They part, and Jake returns to his small-town marshal's job and his fiancée only to find he has been tracked there by Hollister. It seems they were once in a gang together and Jake knows where the proceeds of a bank hold-up are hidden. Hollister and his sidekicks make off into the hills, taking along the trussed-up marshal and his kidnapped bride-to-be to force the lawman to show them where the loot is.
Insights
IMDb6.8/10
Director: John Sturges•Genres: Western, Action, Crime, Drama
Plot Summary
Marshal Jake Wade is ambushed and left for dead by a gang led by his former outlaw friend, Clint Hollister. Wade survives and returns to his town, only to discover that Hollister has taken the townspeople hostage, including Wade's wife, Peggy. Wade must now confront his past and his former friend to save the town and his family.
Critical Reception
The Law and Jake Wade received a generally positive reception from critics upon its release, with many praising its strong performances, particularly from Richard Widmark as the villain, and John Sturges's confident direction. While not considered a groundbreaking Western, it was appreciated for its solid storytelling and action sequences, making it a respectable entry in the genre.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its competent direction and suspenseful plot.
Robert Taylor delivers a solid performance as the conflicted lawman.
Richard Widmark is highlighted for his charismatic portrayal of the villain.
Google audience: Audience reception information is not readily available.
Fun Fact
Director John Sturges would go on to direct another critically acclaimed Western just a few years later, 'The Magnificent Seven' (1960).
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TMDB Reviews
2 reviews
John Chard
More than meets the eye in John Sturges' excellent Oater. Jake Wade, a former thief and gunman is now the town marshal. Out of a need to clear a debt, he breaks a former accomplice of his, Clint Hollister, out of jail, and almost immedia...
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