The Desperadoes (1943)

52% of users liked it
(1,136 ratings)

In this Western drama, Steve Upton (Randolph Scott) is the sheriff of a Utah community in 1860. Upton's best friend, Cheyenne Rogers (Glenn Ford), was once an outlaw, but under Steve's guidance, he's gone straight and tries to earn an honest living. However, while Cheyenne is in town to pay Upton a… More In this Western drama, Steve Upton (Randolph Scott) is the sheriff of a Utah community in 1860. Upton's best friend, Cheyenne Rogers (Glenn Ford), was once an outlaw, but under Steve's guidance, he's gone straight and tries to earn an honest living. However, while Cheyenne is in town to pay Upton a visit, the local bank is robbed and Cheyenne is the prime suspect. Through Cheyenne is quickly convicted, Upton is convinced his friend is innocent, and the sheriff helps the former outlaw break out of jail; together, they hit the trail trying to find the real culprits and clean up the town. The Desperadoes had the distinction of being the first Technicolor feature released by Columbia Pictures. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 27 min.
Directed By: Charles Vidor
Written By: Robert Carson
Genres: Western, Action & Adventure, Classics

In Theaters: May 25, 1943 Wide
On DVD: Apr 5, 2005

Critic Reviews

Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
The film is noteworthy because it was Columbia's first in Technicolor.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

jay n

Run of the mill western with a good cast. Some of Claire Trevor's costumes are eyepoppingly over the top. That she can carry them off says a great deal about her class and magnetism. Scott on the other hand whether through his playing of it or the role itself practially… More
Run of the mill western with a good cast. Some of Claire Trevor's costumes are eyepoppingly over the top. That she can carry them off says a great deal about her class and magnetism. Scott on the other hand whether through his playing of it or the role itself practially evaporates from the screen. Some of the scenes of the open range are fine but then stuck right in the middle are obvious rear projection shots which take you right out of the picture.