Rancho Notorious

1952

1h 26m

IMDb RATING

6.5/10

119

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58 Images

Drama

Western

A man in search of revenge infiltrates a ranch, hidden in an inhospitable region, where its owner, Altar Keane, gives shelter to outlaws fleeing from the law in exchange for a price.

Directors

Fritz Lang

Writers

Daniel Taradash(screenplay by)

Silvia Richards(original story by)

Ken Darby(lyricist by)

Stars

Marlene Dietrich

Arthur Kennedy

Mel Ferrer

See production, box office & company info

Top cast

Altar Keane

Vern Haskell

Frenchy Fairmont

Beth Forbes

Baldy Gunder

Maxine

Dealer

Mort Geary

Wilson

Preacher

Harbin

Comanche Paul

Jeff Factor

Rio

Sheriff Hardy (uncredited)

John Doucette

Whitey (uncredited)

Dick Elliott

Storyteller (uncredited)

Lloyd Gough

Kinch (uncredited)

Directors

Fritz Lang

Writers

Daniel Taradash(screenplay by)

Silvia Richards(original story by)

Ken Darby(lyricist by)

All cast & crew

Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

**_Western oddity about a ranch haven for outlaws led by Marlene Dietrich_** A vengeful Wyoming ranch hand (Arthur Kennedy) relentlessly pursues the cowardly murderer of his fiancé (Gloria Henry). He eventually teams-up with a smooth brigand (Mel Ferrer) in the Southwest who takes him to a hacienda that’s a secret sanctuary for hooligans led by a former saloon entertainer named Altar Keane (Dietrich). The last of three Westerns directed by Fritz Lang, "Rancho Notorious" (1952) is a largely set-bound stylized ‘B’ movie that distorts reality in its implementation of artificial backdrops and shadowy interiors, which is why some view it as Western noir. The closest comparison would be “Johnny Guitar” (1954), but this one isn’t in the same ballpark of exceptionalness. The story’s just not as compelling. Yet there’s enough entertainment value here for those interested. Marlene was 50 during shooting yet still in shape and easily looking ten years younger. The amusing bar room race where the ladies ride the backs of drunken men like horses is a highlight with Altar Keane’s pure joy at winning the race being priceless. In the gambling sequence, look for a young Russell Johnson, aka the Professor on Gilligan’s Island. The film runs 1 hour, 29 minutes, and was shot at studios in North Hollywood and Hollywood (e.g. Republic Studios). GRADE: B-

Wuchak11 Sep, 2022