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One of my all time favorites.

a film so unique, intoxicating and bizarre that it not only demands another viewing, but is also forgivable as a satirical comedy where the jokes eventually take the back seat.

All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

It is an exhilarating, distressing, funny and profound film, with one of the more memorable film scores in years,

Hello!?? You call these "tall" men!!?? Ha! They seemed awfully small and petty to me.From my perspective, Ben and Clint Allison (the story's 2 main characters) were nothing but a pair of common criminals and equally worthless saddle-tramps. The only thing noticeably "tall" about these 2 scoundrels was the height of their over-inflated egos, especially that of Ben (played by, none other than, Clark Gable).Set in the year 1866, this second-rate, 1955 Western (that shied away from close-ups) seemed more concerned, than anything else, about focusing in on the mega-stupid and totally predictable romance that transpired between Ben and that gold-digger, Nella (played by the buxom, but talentless, Jane Russell). There was really no attempt made here to develop a worthwhile story about the great, old west.Yes. This Western did contain its fair share of gun-play, as well as feature a predictable cattle-drive, a laughable ambush and an inevitable Indian uprising (thrown in for good measure) - But, in the long run, the only thing worth any mention about The Tall Men was its nicely shot scenes in the wide, open country of Montana and Texas.And, unfortunately, when it came to the likes of big-name actor, Clark Gable - At a tired-looking 55 he was completely unconvincing as Ben Allison, the rugged, cowboy stud-muffin. Gable's laughable performance as this character easily brought this film's rating down by a few serious notches.

The Tall Men is directed by Raoul Walsh and stars Clark Gable, Jane Russell, Cameron Mitchell and Robert Ryan. Produced out of 20th Century Fox by William A. Bacher and William B. Hawks, it's adapted for the screen by Frank S. Nugent & Sydney Boehm from a novel written by Heck Allen (as Clay Fisher). Filmed out of Durango, the cinematography is by Leo Tover in a CinemaScope/DeLuxe production and Victor Young provides the score.Montana Territory 1866"They came from the South, headed for the gold-fields….Ben & Clint Allison, lonely, desperate men. Riding away from a heartbreak memory of Gettysburg. Looking for a new life. A story of tall men-and long shadows."The Tall Men has professionalism written all over it, from the tight direction by Walsh to the on the money writing, it's a Western that has no pretencions. The panoramic vistas are beautifully realised by the makers and in spite of Russell's flat style of acting, the cast put credibility into the cattle drive and romantic aspects of the story. Tho action sequences are few and far between, the film succeeds because of the well written characters and the landscapes that frame them. There's even much comedy to enjoy as well, a department where Russell does earn her corn in the movie (there's also a bath moment to get us boys hot under the collar too). Most notably the comedy works for her when playing off of Gable who seems to be enjoying himself as the rough, tough and cheeky Ben Allison. Very talky to be sure, there are for instance many extended scenes of our lead protagonists swapping dialogue, but it all serves a purpose and in the capable hands of Walsh the sequences serve to drive the narrative forward.Solid enjoyable stuff if ultimately a touch too long. 6.5/10

They don't make like this any more with real live actors, scenery, and animals... The energy is so much better that all digital movies these days. CGG is over done these days and it gives a movie no life energy... The Tall Men with take you back into the good old days for a great adventure and drama. Gable was a good compliment to Jane and all the play of action and drama was well balanced and it played... So many fine actors to bring the wild west to us forever! I like the Indian actors as well, such authentic looking Indians and no over done special effects here as well. The photography was masterfully done in this movie with great attention to composition and color.Take the ride!

Sadly what could have been a really great western is ruined by the slow pace and slack direction. It begins well, but after Gable and Jane Russell arrive at the barn in the snowstorm the film seems to stop, and after that it's overlong and boring all the way. At 54 Gable was at least twenty years older than the character he played, fortunately he still has enough charisma and screen presence to make up for this. Unfortunately though Jane Russell simply didn't have the talent for this part and Robert Ryan, usually a great actor, is rather wasted. The film is impressive for its epic scope and action scenes, although far too much of it is actually filmed in the studio.