Such a frustrating disappointment

Some things I liked some I did not.

There are moments that feel comical, some horrific, and some downright inspiring but the tonal shifts hardly matter as the end results come to a film that's perfect for this time.

If you like to be scared, if you like to laugh, and if you like to learn a thing or two at the movies, this absolutely cannot be missed.

When I noticed this movie advertised on ABC TV, I looked up the story, checked the cast, noted it was an RKO IB Technicolor production, and thought this just has to be seen. It sounded like I was headed for an above average western that I'd somehow missed over the years. Fifteen Min's in, I began to realize why I'd not come across it before (or had forgotten I had!)It could offer some fun for the undiscerning or easily pleased, but both reviews by Robert Maxwell, and Plankton Rules (both IMDb) have summed it up perfectly (I should have listened to their warnings). With all the great and good classic productions out there, why waste time on sub standard writing like this! The cast is fine (especially Robert Ryan) Clair Trevor was easy on the eye in gloriously colorful dress, but direction and script fully lets them down. The overused, and under talented Barton Maclane simply became a bit of a put-off in these clichéd roles. Leonard Maltin calls it 'offbeat', but it tends to tread a rather conventional trail...and rather poorly. I like an 'off-beat' story, they can often give us a reason to think along different lines, a bit like James Clavell's early racially aware western: "Walk Like a Dragon" from 1960. I suppose for 'Best Of The Bad Men' I should have been more conscious of the date ~ by the early 50's the once great RKO had been eroded into the doldrums by it's fanatical owner, and was just a few years away from total collapse. The combination of a 'B' western writer, and a largely Television based director, in this case, did not help either. Worst of the badmen ~ stay away if your looking for facts, believability or logic.......KenR

I saw "Best of the Badmen" when I was nine years old, loved it could not stop talking about it for weeks. curious that it was b&w probably they were trying to cut costs by making part of the copies in a less expensive way. Few actors were as good as Robert Ryan, specially in westerns, and his presence is what most counts here. Same goes for Claire Trevor. I was a bit deceived with the James brothers, they are kind of insipid in the film, after seeing so many films about them and the Youngers we got spoiled and expect for a bit more of their character to be shown. Funny that Cole Younger acts as their leader (in the film), I don't think they would have accepted that. The story is pretty routine stuff, but that is exactly the charm of the westerns of the fifties. Tremendous difference between the Jack Buetel of "The Outlaw" and the "nice" Younger that he plays here. I greatly enjoyed seeing this western after so many years, it remains very good. (and in color)

This is a story written about the West and some of the more famous individuals who really participated in it's inception. For many in the audience, this movie star's Robert Ryan and the great and magnetic presence he brings to the silver screen. The story is called " Best of the Bad men. " Proportedly it is set in the 1860's shortly after the Civil War. The last of the rebel hold outs have been captured by Major Jefferson Clanton (Robert Ryan) and the Union army and offered the oath of Alligence to the United States. This does not sit well with the carpetbaggers who believe the Rebels should be tried and hanged. Robert Preston is Matthew Fowler a greedy, mob-stirring businessman who is out to crucify Clanton for denying him his bounty on the former bad men. Walter Brennan, Bruce Cabot and Jack Buetel make for a formidable bunch as the beginnings of the infamous James and Younger gangs. For a touch of feminine beauty we have beautiful and seductive Claire Trevor as Lily Fowler. Together, the entire cast makes for a rousing yarn set in the Old West. There is plenty of explosions, gun-fights, fist-fighting, fast horses and double dealing to keep the audience interesting and for once, our hero Robert Ryan doesn't have to play the heavy. OK, the story is a bit far-fetch, but fun none-the-less. Recommended to anyone who wishes to slay a somber afternoon. ***

It's a shame this movie was as mediocre and forgettable as it was, as it COULD have been so much better. The basic idea for the plot as the film begins isn't bad and I generally love Robert Ryan because of his gritty performances. But, in both cases, the film starts well and just slows to a crawl. Too many clichés, plot problems and slow dialog curse this film to be no more than a time-passer. For example, the biggest weasel in the gang is obviously pre-ordained to betray his comrades--anyone can see this from a mile away. So, what is Robert Ryan's solution to this bad and unpredictable guy?! Yep, beat him up and send him away swearing his eternal vengeance!! Why didn't he just plug the guy? Yeah, I know, he couldn't do that because of the clichéd final showdown! I could go on and discuss the film further, but it was so bland it was like eating toast--not altogether unpleasant but something you would never look forward to!