The Lusty Men

The Lusty Men is a 1952 American drama film directed by Nicholas Ray and starring Robert Mitchum, Susan Hayward, and Arthur Kennedy. The film is based on a Life (magazine) article by Claude Stanush and was produced by Jerry Wald for RKO Pictures and Wald/Krasna Productions. The movie features a strong supporting cast, including Arthur Hunnicutt, who appeared in numerous films, such as El Dorado, and Sheb Wooley, known for his roles in High Noon and Giant. The film's cinematography was handled by Lee Garmes, who worked on many notable films, including Duel in the Sun and The Big Heat.

Plot

The Lusty Men tells the story of a former Rodeo rider, Jeff McCloud, played by Robert Mitchum, who returns to his hometown after a serious injury. He becomes involved with a young couple, Wes Merritt and his wife Lou Merritt, played by Arthur Kennedy and Susan Hayward, and begins to mentor Wes in the ways of rodeo riding. As the story unfolds, Jeff's past and his relationships with the people around him are revealed, including his connections to Rodeo legends like Bill Pickett and Earl Bascom. The film explores themes of love, friendship, and the struggles of the Rodeo lifestyle, which is also depicted in films like The Misfits and Junior Bonner. The plot is also reminiscent of other classic films, such as The Searchers and Red River, which were directed by John Ford and Howard Hawks, respectively.

Production

The Lusty Men was produced by Jerry Wald and directed by Nicholas Ray, who also directed other notable films, such as Rebel Without a Cause and In a Lonely Place. The screenplay was written by Horace McCoy and David Dortort, based on a Life (magazine) article by Claude Stanush. The film was shot on location in Texas and Arizona, and features a mix of professional Rodeo riders and actors. The production team included notable figures like Robert Aldrich, who worked as an assistant director, and Elia Kazan, who was a friend and colleague of Nicholas Ray. The film's score was composed by Roy Webb, who also worked on films like Mighty Joe Young and The Set-Up.

Cast

The film features a strong cast, including Robert Mitchum, Susan Hayward, and Arthur Kennedy. Robert Mitchum was a well-established actor at the time, having appeared in films like Out of the Past and Cape Fear. Susan Hayward was also a prominent actress, known for her roles in films like I'll Cry Tomorrow and Valley of the Dolls. Arthur Kennedy was a talented actor who appeared in a wide range of films, including Bright Victory and Some Came Running. The supporting cast includes Arthur Hunnicutt, Sheb Wooley, and Frank Faylen, who all had long and distinguished careers in film and television.

Release

The Lusty Men was released in 1952 by RKO Pictures and was moderately successful at the box office. The film received positive reviews from critics, with many praising the performances of the cast and the direction of Nicholas Ray. The film has since become a classic of the Western genre and is still widely regarded as one of the best films of the 1950s. The film's release was also notable for its marketing campaign, which included promotional appearances by the cast and crew at Rodeo events and film festivals. The film was also screened at the Cannes Film Festival and the Venice Film Festival, where it received critical acclaim.

Reception

The Lusty Men received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, with many praising the performances of the cast and the direction of Nicholas Ray. The film holds a high rating on Rotten Tomatoes and is widely regarded as a classic of the Western genre. The film's themes of love, friendship, and the struggles of the Rodeo lifestyle have been praised for their nuance and depth. The film has also been recognized for its technical achievements, including its cinematography and editing. The film's influence can be seen in later films, such as The Last Picture Show and Urban Cowboy, which also explore the world of Rodeo and the American West. The film's legacy continues to be celebrated by film scholars and critics, including Pauline Kael and Roger Ebert, who have both written extensively about the film's significance and influence. Category:1950s drama films