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Marva It is an exhilarating, distressing, funny and profound film, with one of the more memorable film scores in years,

krdement If shoot 'em up westerns are to your taste, this is probably not your cup of tea.The theme of Civilization vs. Barbarism is nicely explored in this very unusual western. The dialog is light years beyond the dialog in most westerns. Specifically, Rio's dialog is some of the best ever written for any character in any film of this genre. Whoever wrote it must have been bi-lingual. From his syntax, it is clear Rio speaks English as his second language. It is as if he is speaking Anglicized Spanish proverbs half of the time. Very Spanish.The gay subtext is unmistakable in the scenes between Rio and Esqueda, yet it is fairly subtle. Rio's beautiful horse and its livery, and his attire all summon up images of early cinematic western heroes. Rio looks like the Cisco Kid's dark alter- ego!It is difficult to accept Cameron's faith that Rio is honorable enough not to kill him once he turns his back. This issue really has two aspects: One is the credibility of Cameron's trust; the second is Rio's actual trustworthiness. Today we find it difficult to believe BOTH that Cameron would be so trusting of Rio and that Rio actually would turn out to be trustworthy. Our credulity is again stretched by Cameron's entrusting Rio with his ranch and wife.But Cameron is a newcomer to the territory, and he values Rio's savvy - about horses, ranch hands and probably survival! Cameron tells Rio that he wants him to help acquire horses for the ranch. Later Cameron's wife asks Rio about the sudden abundance of ranch hands which Cameron wasn't able to hire on his own. These things validate Cameron's motive, implausible as it may seem. I just accept that Cameron is pretty desperate and that he is a good judge of character.Regarding Rio: There was a time when a man felt like he owed his life to someone who had saved (or spared) it. Perhaps most men still lived by that code of honor at the time the movie is set. Or perhaps this was preserved longer in Hispanic culture - Rio's culture. Or perhaps Rio is simply a throw-back in his adherence to such a code. Anyway, the issue did not ruin the movie for me.Delia seems particularly naive (or stupid) for getting Rio to take her to plead Cameron's case with Esqueda. Despite these weaknesses, I enjoyed the film. It never really made me feel excitement, but it generated palpable tension among several characters. However, its uniqueness and dialog were what kept me interested throughout. I found Rio to be one of the most fascinating characters in this entire genre. One of my favorite scenes is when Esqueda is kicked back in his chair in the saloon with his filthy, bare feet thrust toward the camera. Nope, not your typical western!

Cristi_Ciopron Some things make this film worth watching:(1)Taylor,as a grim,sarcastic,icy,enigmatic,nifty,insolent gunman;for fans of Taylor and/or Quinn,"Ride ..." offers plenty of copious enjoyment,the two have serious,large roles;(2)Quinn,doing a picturesque role,as the gusty Esqueda;he rides the high horse;Gian Maria Volontè will succeed in doing this kind of roles;(3)the unconventional story;there are no duels in the street,and no overlong fights;there is no sentimentality;the real subject is the love between the two men,"Rio" and Esqueda;a convenient explanation is given for the Philistine viewers and the censorship--the two men's love is a brotherly one,they were raised by the same woman;The main interests of this movie are its outstanding cast (Taylor,Quinn) and the original story,that turns out to be almost shocking and subversive.Don't look for duels,horse-rides,the usual ingredients.Mrs. Gardner is surprisingly stiff as a respectable lady.A Hispanic bandit,Esqueda,terrorizes a region and prevents a farmer (Cameron) to settle.When "Cameron" brings at their new home his newly-arrived wife (Mrs. Gardner),they find the house burnt down.The Marshall can do nothing to help him.He must confront Esqueda on his own."Cameron" rebuilds his home."Rio",Esqueda's lieutenant,leads an attack on "Cameron"'s farm.The latter resists,with only two persons on his side (his wife,and a Friar,played rather well by Kurt Kasznar),and defeats his attackers."Cameron" makes "Rio" prisoner,and then hires him.Quinn will make everything to win Taylor back.Taylor and Quinn give psychological interest to this plot.I happen to be eager of every Taylor and/or Quinn role;"Ride,Vaquero" was a thrilling feast for me.I find Quinn's burlesque acting delicious.The bandits' riot,when they take over Brownsville,has some comic moments.Taylor is a knockout as "Rio".

alexandre michel liberman (tmwest) By keeping quiet, speaking only when necessary Robert Taylor as Rio gives one of his best performances. All through the film you try to guess what he is thinking. He was adopted by the mother of Esqueda (Anthony Quinn) and Quinn loves and respects him. The real surprise is Howard Keel, who only used to do musicals, coming out so well as King Cameron, a man who is obstinate about building a cattle empire. Cameron is married to Cordelia (Ava Gardner) and as soon as she arrives in a river boat, and they go to their ranch, trouble starts because it has been burnt by Esqueda. Why did Esqueda do it? Because he knows that if he allows anybody to do well in business in that area, others will come and eventually he, who is a bandit will have to run away or be hanged. Quinn is great as Esqueda, just that makes the film worth seeing. Taylor, who was the second man to Quinn in the gang, eventually leaves him to help Keel, because deep down he knows his brother is becoming a crazy monster and unconsciously he is in love with Ava. But when she kisses him, he slaps her because he knows it is wrong. He is a torn man, with all those feelings and not knowing exactly what to do about it. Excellent film, not to be missed.

westerner357 Although it is supposed to take place in Texas, the film was actually made in Kanab, Utah, which accounts for the fact that it doesn't look a whole lot like west Texas to me.Cordelia and King Cameron (Gardner & Keel) locate to Texas after the Civil War and buy land in order to build a cattle ranch. Mexican bandit Esqueda (Quinn) along with his adopted white brother Rio (Taylor) burns down their house to send a message to other whites from moving into what he considers an intrusion of his territory.This oater is also notable for being one of the few non-singing roles Howard Keel did for MGM. He almost reminds me of a more cultured Joe Don Baker even right down to his western drawl. Gardner is being her usual dignified self and doesn't really add much here to the whole thing other than butting into the men's business.In fact, this film almost starts off as another repeat for Ava Gardner since she was in a similar love triangle with Clark Gable in LONE STAR (1952), except in this one, Taylor refuses her advances and pushes her away, not following the typical Hollywood convention of the time. Good twist on the part of director John Farrow. It adds a darker psychological dimension to the Taylor character.I also enjoyed Anthony Quinn's performance as the drunken Mexican bandit Esqueda, who cowers and sulks in his bedroom when things don't go his way. He comes across as a bitter, drunken buffoon who's obsession reaches a climax when Taylor defects to over to Keel's side, helping him build up their ranch.Quinn then takes over the town of Brownsville in order to force Taylor out into the open. It ends when Quinn & Taylor shoot and kill each other in the saloon while the wounded Keel lies nearby, no match for Quinn's earlier fast draw.Given Quinn's slightly hammy performance along with the darker psychological aspect Farrow's script gives to the Rio/Taylor character, I'm gonna give this one a 6 out of 10. It's not a keeper but it does hold my interest.