(1959)
2.5
Craig Butler
A middling little B-level Western, Escort West is pretty average all the way through. Fred Hartsook and Leo Gordon's screenplay is moderately entertaining, though far from original. A soon as the characters are introduced and their backgrounds established, you can pretty much write the story yourself, even if you've only seen a handful of Westerns; the more experienced among you can write it without even waiting for the credits. Francis D. Lyon's direction is adequate, though just barely; even though the film is only about 75 minutes long, there are still several places that drag. However, as these are usually the sections that deal with the none-too-convincing or compelling romantic portion of the plot, it's not entirely Lyon's fault. In the lad role, Victor Mature is actually fine; it's not a towering, memorable performance, but it hits the right notes and he does what the role requires creditably and with a certain amount of presence. Co-writer Gordon also has a memorable bit as a slimy cavalry man, and the men in general are fine; the ladies are not. William H. Clothier's black-and-white camerawork is a definite plus.
cast-crew for Escort West on AllMovie
Escort West (1959)
