In terms of cowboys and Indians stuff, if you can get past the cowboys and Indians stuff, this is one of the classics of the classic cowboys and Indians stuff. "Comanche Station" is a classic Western film that delivers plenty of thrills, set against the rugged backdrop of the American frontier, with cowboys and Indians.
The plot is fairly standard, but the taut and understated script benefits immensely from Randolph Scott’s nuanced nice-guy gunslinger character. As the resolute Jefferson Cody, Scott crafts a believable, ordinary hero, a stark contrast to the larger-than-life archetypes prevalent in the genre.
Cody rescues a white woman from Comanche captivity. A substantial reward is being offered for her return. As he escorts her back to civilization, their journey takes a perilous turn when they encounter a trio of ruthless bounty hunters, led by the menacing Claude Akins. Cody must protect the woman from both the Comanche, and the bounty hunters who are determined to claim the reward for themselves.
Boetticher's signature restrained style adds depth to the story, allowing the tension to simmer rather than boil over. There's great dialog in every scene, horseback action, gunfights and of course terrific scenery. A standout feature of "Comanche Station" is its unconventional ending. That and the strength of the storytelling and the performances keep "Comanche Station" engaging even for modern viewers.
Frank: You want to go to work, do you?
Dobie: Work?
Frank: Making an honest living?
Dobie: Oh, no, I don't think I could do that. I could cowboy some.
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