Relentless (1948)

By John Chard

The Pursuers! Relentless is directed by George Sherman and adapted to screenplay by Winston Miller from the story Three Were Thoroughbreds by Kenneth Perkins. It stars Robert Young, Marguerite Chapman, Willard Parker, Akim Tamiroff and Barton MacLane. Music is by Marlin Skiles and cinematography by Edward Cronjager. Young plays cowboy Nick Buckley who after being wrongly accused of murder has to stay one step ahead of the law in order to prove his innocence. On a narrative basis this can hold its head up as being a touch more realistic than other fare of the decade. For sure there be contrivances and itchy coincidences, but nothing that insults the intelligence. Aside form the most appealing technical aspects, where the vistas and colour photography sparkle, the cast are likeable beings who are easy to engage with. There's a bit of thought gone into not making Chapman's gal role a token one, while the plot strand involving the equines in Buckley's life is both interesting and poignant. Action is competently staged by the wily Sherman, who in turn steers the pic safely to the expected conclusion. A pleasing Oater that while not pushing any sort of boundaries or psychological depth, is sure to entertain fans of 40s and 50s Westerns. 6.5/10