The Gunfighter: as much as its setting, a Western is defined by a very particular sense of morality, one which the concept of right and wrong are separated by a very thin line, and usually in transformation towards something more, for the lack of a better word, civilized. Henry King explores that beautifully in this taut, tense film. Gregory Peck plays the complex main character (one that is trying the aforementioned transformation) very convincingly; Karl Malden has an easier role, but is a good presence, and Millard Mitchell mixes well the toughness and sensibility of his role. The film has a snappy, urgent pace, well put together by editor Barbara McLean; Arthur C. Miller’s cinematography is efficient and discrete.