Day of the Badman (1958) | Region-Free (Blu-Ray)

Title: Day of the Badman (1958)

Genre: Western

Plot Synopsis:
Judge Jim Scott is determined to uphold justice by sentencing convicted murderer Rudy Hayes to hang. However, the Hayes family, led by patriarch Charlie Hayes, arrives in town to intimidate Scott into commuting the sentence. Despite threats and the town’s fear, Scott remains steadfast in his commitment to the law.

Cast and Crew:

• Director: Harry Keller
• Writer: Lawrence Roman
• Cast:
  • Fred MacMurray as Judge Jim Scott
  • Joan Weldon as Myra Owens
  • John Ericson as Sheriff Barney Wiley
  • Robert Middleton as Charlie Hayes
  • Marie Windsor as Cora Hayes

IMDb Link:
Day of the Badman (1958)

Reviews from Letterboxd:

1. Once Upon a Time in a Western – ★★★☆☆
   “Fred MacMurray delivers a solid performance in this tale of justice vs. intimidation. A slow burn, but worth it for fans of classic Westerns.”
2. Jeff Arnold’s West – ★★★☆☆
   “A moralistic tale in the vein of High Noon, with Fred MacMurray shining as the resolute judge. The tension builds well, but it lacks the punch of its inspiration.”
3. Paul Andrews – ★★★½☆
   “A tightly constructed Western with some solid performances. While the Hayes family feels menacing, the film misses a bit of emotional depth.”
4. Chris R. – ★★★☆☆
   “Fred MacMurray is a commanding presence as the judge who refuses to back down. It’s a good Western, but not one of the greats.”
5. Western Film Fanatic – ★★★½☆
   “MacMurray stands tall in this suspenseful Western. The film captures the struggle between law and lawlessness effectively, though it doesn’t quite reach classic status.”

Meta Description:
Day of the Badman (1958) is a Western film directed by Harry Keller, starring Fred MacMurray as Judge Jim Scott, who faces threats from the Hayes family while upholding justice. This suspenseful tale explores themes of courage, law, and morality.