Hottoceame The Age of Commercialism

GazerRise Fantastic!

Console best movie i've ever seen.

Voxitype Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.

Tim Little Whilst I wouldn't describe myself as a connoisseur of Westerns, I am a fan and have seen a fair few from across the decades. Some are poor - some are masterful and Jubal falls into the latter category.Ford, surely one of the most under-rated actors of all time, turns in another cool, vulnerable performance as the drifter Jubal Troop doing his best to be loyal to his new best friend (rancher Borgnine) by avoiding the latters' restless, troublesome wife (French).Despite his best efforts, things soon go awry thanks to the assistance of the devious, scheming bully Pinky (Rod Steiger) and French herself, leading to the inevitable posse sent to hunt down the sorely wronged Jubal who is offered assistance by travelling settlers he'd previously helped.This film has everything - loyalty and betrayal, Shakespearean melodrama and tragedy, violence and moments of genuine suspense. The acting is brilliant without exception and the musical score is wonderful, helping the build-up to the final climax without intrusion. Cinematography is all you could wish for from a great Western. This is a real joy.

writers_reign This is, of course - and perhaps a little unfairly - known amongst buffs as the movie of the two Martys inasmuch as Rod Steiger, who created the role of Paddy Chayefsky's butcher on television, co-stars with Ernest Borgnine who not only played it on the big screen but also copped a Best Actor Oscar into the bargain. Loosely based on Othello it's a fine effort with a first rate cast from top-billed Glenn Ford the Steiger, Borgnine to Noah Beery Jnr, Charles Bronson in a rare sympathetic role and relative newcomer Felicia Farr. If there is a weakness it lies in the way one seems to notice that Steigers' Iago-like character is 1) the only person who seems to care, 2) cares with a passion out of all proportion to the events, and 3) everyone is happy to follow him without question. Apart from that it does what it says on the tin.

Wuchak Released in 1956, "Jubal" is easily one of the best 50's Westerns and ranks with my all-time favorites.THE STORY: An injured drifter, Glenn Ford as Jubal Troop, is rescued by ranch-owner Shep (Earnest Borgnine), who ultimately promotes him to foreman of his ranch. This stirs up the envy of ranch-hand Pinky (Rod Steiger) and the desire of Shep's young sexpot wife, Mae (Valerie French), which results in even more hostility from Pinky since he used to enjoy the adulterous attentions of Mae until Jubal came along. The captivating drama is as old as the story of Joseph and Potiphar's wife from Genesis 39.Add to this mix a group of trespassing Mennonites (or perhaps Quakers) who have in their company Naomi (Felicia Farr), a godly woman who attracts Jube's romantic eye, and Reb (Charles Bronson), another drifter who befriends Jube.WHAT WORKS: For the first hour and ten minutes or so "Jubal" is captivating cinema of the highest order. Shep (Borgnine) is simpleminded and naïve, but likable and full of mirth. Mae (French) is fully clothed at all times, yet somehow oozes sexuality with every simple glance or word, proving that sexiness involves way more than merely showing skin. Naomi (Farr) is an interesting addition to the story: her purity attracts Jube just as much as Mae's adulterous tactics turn him off.Rod Steiger is perfect as the villainous Southerner-turned-Westerner "Pinky." Notice how his hostility toward Jubal is rooted in arrogance, envy and jealousy. Also notice that his strategy to destroy Jubal is deception -- getting others to believe lies. This is how it happens in real life with enemies who hate you for no actual reason. Since there's no grounds for their hatred they resort to lies to destroy your reputation and poison people's minds against you.Glenn Ford is perfect as the tragedy-laden drifter and how can you go wrong with (a young) Charles Bronson?A big bonus is that the film was shot on location with the mighty Grand Tetons as a backdrop the entire story. These magnificent Wyoming mountains are nothing short of breathtaking!The last act is potent in that it reveals the destructive power of a lie, IF it's believed. The only people liars can deceive are simpletons with no discernment; the wise remain skeptical until they observe concrete proof. You'll notice that two of Shep's men refuse to take Pinky as his word because they discern his fleshly motivations, not to mention they likely caught him in lies before. WHAT DOESN'T WORK: There's too much scampering around in the last act as the plot ties-up loose ends, but it's redeemed by the powerful subtext. Also, the opening credits score is understandably dated but, thankfully, the rest of the score isn't bad for the 50s; in other words, it doesn't prevent you from enjoying the movie.BOTTOM LINE: Make no mistake, "Jubal" is a powerful psychological Western; there's thankfully no Disney-like unrealistic vibe anywhere to be found, nor lame attempts at humor (like "The Desperadoes"). The film expertly touches on issues of friendship, envy, jealousy, competition, lust, hate, love, hope and the destructive power of a lie. Let me add that Jubal is a man of fascinating noble character: he amazingly resists the skillful advances of the luscious Mae, like Joseph with Potiphar's wife, obviously because he wanted something better -- a woman he could trust!"Jubal" is a must for every Western fan's film library.The film runs 100 minutes.GRADE: A

qormi Pretty good oater. Rod Stieger is authentically hateful as the scheming,conniving, lying,cowardly bully. Borgnine is solid as the crude but nice rancher. Ford should have just opened up to the boss and told him what was going on with his flirtatious wife. You have to be pretty dumb to stand by and let it play out like that. Also, he should have just shot Stieger in the gut after he fired a bullet close to his head with a rifle and then gloated about it. He should have at least have beaten him senseless well before things got out of hand....Like when they first met and Stieger kept insulting him and calling him names; even burning his clothes while Ford slept.....time to pound some face. Not much credibility here. Beautiful scenery. The story was engrossing and well- paced.The film was not hampered by silly soundtrack music typical of the times. It was suspenseful; the tension made me feel uncomfortable, and the film built up empathy for the characters. But in the end, it seemed too fabricated...not really all that intelligent.