Unforgiven

1960 • 121 minutes

About this movie

Odd Western about racial intolerance focuses around Kiowa claim that the Zachary daughter is one of their own, stolen in a raid. The dispute results in other whites' turning their backs on the Zacharys when the truth is revealed by Mother. Murphy plays Cash, the hotheaded brother who reacts violently to learning his "sister" is a "red-hide Indian." He leaves the family but returns to help them fight off an Indian raid during which Hepburn kills her Kiowa brother, thus choosing sides once and for all.

Ratings and reviews

The Unforgiven is what Hollywood once called an "adult western" in that it emphasizes character and dialogue over action. That's not to say any of those elements are weak. The characters are colorful, the dialogue is sharp and sounds true to its setting. Especially striking is Sam Wanamaker as the dusty (literally) drifter whose arrival is the catalyst for this lively tale. Wanamaker really chews scenery, while some cast members deliver their lines as if there's an audience just out of the frame but Burt Lancaster balances the whole affair with a strong understated performance. In addition, there's plenty of action in the third act. A lot of fans of the film will agree that, in addition to a collection of truly gifted actors, The Unforgiven features Audie Murphy in one of his finest roles, ever. Highly Recommended.

why is the audio so crappy? This sounds like a 3rd-generation dub off a cruddy VHS tape or something.

It's a good movie, and you should watch it.