Tonight's Movie: Seven Ways From Sundown (1960) - A Kino Lorber Blu-ray Review

One of my favorite Audie Murphy movies, SEVEN WAYS FROM SUNDOWN (1960), was released on Blu-ray last year by Kino Lorber Studio Classics.

It's part of the Audie Murphy Collection V along with BULLET FOR A BADMAN (1964), which I reviewed last fall, and WALK THE PROUD LAND (1956), to be reviewed in the future.

It's no reflection on the movie whatsoever that I'm only now reviewing it! (So many movies, so little time...) Indeed, I was extremely glad to revisit SEVEN WAYS FROM SUNDOWN, which I first reviewed for my Classic Movie Hub Western RoundUp column in 2020.

That post provided a detailed look at the movie itself; I encourage readers to click over to read my in-depth analysis and then return here for more on the new disc.

The story, in a nutshell, is about the improbably named Seven Ways From Sundown Jones (Murphy), a "green" young Texas Ranger whose boss Lt. Herly (Kenneth Tobey) sends him after a dangerous killer, Jim Flood (Barry Sullivan).

Herly is curiously unconcerned about the seemingly high probability that the inexperienced Jones will end up dead chasing Flood. Jones is only aided by an older sergeant (John McIntire) who does his best to teach Jones some of the skills of the trade; this includes handling a sidearm. Jones is great with a rifle but doesn't have experience with pistols.

Jones ends up capturing Flood single-handedly, but the journey to "bring him in" is fraught with peril...and, surprisingly, a degree of camaraderie with the killer.

But there are key facts Jones doesn't know: Flood killed Jones's older brother, Two, and was successful in part due to the cowardly behavior of Lt. Herly.

This is a very strong and entertaining 87 minutes, with excellent performances by Murphy and Sullivan and a solid screenplay by Clair Huffaker based on his novel. The dialogue crackles, and Sullivan just about steals the picture in a well-developed role as a man who is clearly a killer, yet Jones also can't help kinda liking the guy.

The film was well directed by Harry Keller. The widescreen cinematography by Ellis Carter was partly shot in St. George, Utah, and Nevada's Red Rock Canyon. (Not to be confused with California's Red Rock Canyon!)

The supporting cast also includes Venetia Stevenson (DAY OF THE OUTLAW) as a young girl who takes a fancy to Seven, with favorite character actress Mary Field as her mother.

Don Collier (THE HIGH CHAPPARAL), Ken Lynch, Suzanne Lloyd, Jack Kruschen, Don Haggerty, and Claudia Barrett also have roles. A little boy in one scene is played by Teddy Rooney, son of Mickey Rooney and Martha Vickers.

For many years those of us in the U.S. could only see this film thanks to cable TV -- in my case, usually with commercials -- or thanks to the kindness of friends who happened to have a copy. I can't say how thrilled I am to have this movie available on Blu-ray and be able to watch it in a nice-looking print whenever desired.

The widescreen print looks very good and also has excellent sound.

Blu-ray extras consist of a commentary track by the always-informative Toby Roan; the trailer, newly mastered in 2K; and four additional Audie Murphy trailers.

Highly recommended.

Thanks to Kino Lorber for providing a review copy of this Blu-ray collection.

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