The Misfits

This is a belter of a film that reminded me of just how imposing Clark Gable could be on screen with a strong part and a decent script. He is "Gay", a tough but pretty past-it cowboy who is hanging out with his buddy "Guido" (Eli Wallach) leading a pretty aimless existence with a lifestyle that is gradually withering on the vine. That all changes when they encounter the flighty "Roslyn" (Marilyn Monroe) who has arrived in Reno to get a divorce. Briefly, a bit of a love triangle develops and despite them moving to a house that "Guido" was building for his late wife, she sets her hat at "Gay" instead, and a relationships starts to burgeon. Both men still have the wrangling spirit, and when a small herd of mustangs is spotted, they want to catch some (to sell on for dog food!), but for that they need another. Fortunately, en route to a rodeo they encounter the broke and stranded "Perce" (Montgomery Clift) and are soon chasing down the horses in the Nevada desert - much to the horror of "Roslyn". There are quite a few tussles in this well paced and creatively shot drama with all four characters having issues with the others that test their loyalties, integrity and spirit - as well as offering us just a soupçon of romance as the story concludes and choices have to be made. As ever, Thelma Ritter contributes well - though only at the start - as their broken-armed pal "Isabelle" but it's really just the quartet that gel effectively for this robust and characterful story and who keep this entertaining for just over the two hours. I never really got why Monroe became such a star. Very attractive, yes, but not really much of an actress. Here, though, she ups her game a bit and is much better - more natural - than usual. There's quite a duel between man and horse at the end that's almost worth watching the whole film for too. Good stuff!