Burt Lancaster's debut Western, Vengeance Valley is a so-so picture that has some good individual elements in it. One of these is Lancaster himself. Although he doesn't seem totally at ease in the role, he has the commanding presence that is required of this kind of film. Lancaster seems to be trying to find a way to add more depth to his part and coming up a little short, but his noble efforts in no way are damaging. Even better is Robert Walker, assaying one of his best rotten-to-the-core but able to project an amiable façade roles. The combination of friction and chemistry between the two actors is also notable. Sally Forrest and Joanne Dru also turn in good performances, if hemmed in by the lack of development in their characters. And there's some magnificent scenery, beautifully captured by cinematographer George Folsey. On the down side, Irving Ravetch's screenplay never succeeds in being as thoughtful as it seems to think it is, and much of the film gets mired down in talky scenes that don't have the desired impact. Director Richard Thorpe handles the action sequences well, but is much less successful with the dramatics of the storyline. As a result, the pacing lags and there's a noticeable lack o tension which eventually drags the film down.