Jubal (1956)

Hmm, eight months. That seems long enough a wait between westerns that they won't run together. I've moved the next western further down my queue to be safe.

For reasons never explained, Jubal (Glenn Ford) first appears half-dead and unhorsed in an unidentified area of the Old West. He later indicates that he'd already been down on his luck, having had to find work as a shepherd, which apparently doesn't suit most cowboy sorts outside of Brokeback Mountain. Rancher Shep (Ernest Borgnine) provides shelter and offers a job more to his liking. For still unexplained reasons, Jubal is reluctant to plant roots, but he gives in. Two factors indicate that his luck hasn't entirely turned around. First, one of Shep's employees, "Pinky" (Rod Steiger), is unfriendly in general, biased against shepherds in particular, and jealous of anyone Shep becomes fond of so quickly. Second, Shep's wife, Mae (Valerie French), has adulterous feelings for Jubal. These factors can work together....

The plot thickens with the arrival of some trespassers belonging to an unnamed nomadic cult. All I can tell is that they're big on peacefulness, generosity, arranged marriages, and listening to the flock leader. Most cowboys suspect them of thieving to survive. Jubal gives them the benefit of the doubt and gains a new friend, Reb (Charles Bronson), who has been single-handedly protecting the cult but now prefers a job with Shep. Jubal also gains the heart of one member, whose fiance evidently cares more about that than about their teachings.

Yeah, I have a few issues with details left blank. Jubal doesn't seem to have much personality. On the other hand, what we do see of him is fine hero material. Not only does he handle a rough horse well and shoot sharp at a moment's notice, but he has strong moral fiber. This is less apparent in his humility than in his refusal of sinful temptation, followed by mercy toward the cult.

For all the simplicity, I did find myself developing mixed feelings toward both Shep and Mae. Shep's the kind of guy who's very charismatic toward other guys but bombs at understanding and respecting women. Small wonder Mae feels so lonely in the country, but her problems go beyond infidelity; she reacts badly to rejection.

Perhaps the worst simplicity comes in the resolution: Jubal barely has to do anything, as the path to victory is already nearly set for him. Reb might even have a bigger part. I'm not entirely convinced of the swaying beliefs of others, either. But again, on the plus side, it's because of Jubal's morality that things turn out this way, even if things have to get worse before they get better. As big as westerns are on matters of ethics, you might see this as more of a fable than most.

Jubal is not much for mental stimulation. It may stir your heart from time to time if you don't mind a few flat characters. And you know, there is a place for dramas like this. After you've seen enough darkness and cynicism for a while, a return to something more affirmative of basic goodness can be welcome.