The Quiet Gun Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		3.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		0.0
Overall		3.5

The Quiet Gun Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf April 10, 2015

It’s somewhat surprising that 1957’s “The Quiet Gun” doesn’t have more of a reputation today. Externally, it’s a nondescript, television-style western starring Forrest Tucker and Lee Van Cleef, showcasing the concerns of leathery men brandishing firearms and stern looks. Yet the screenplay (based on a novel) concerns the societal pressures of the moral majority, with racial tensions brought to a boil in the story, resulting in condemnation and murder. “The Quiet Gun” isn’t a traditional genre offering, largely doing away with escapist events to register as more of a psychological drama, disrupting expectations in an intriguing way.

“The Quiet Gun” is a most literal title, with shootouts limited to just a few showdowns with arrogant enemies. Tucker’s Sheriff Carl isn’t a man looking to make trouble, attempting to uphold justice through reason, but, as the story unfolds, he’s left to fend for himself when outrage hits the town, focused on rancher Ralph (Jim Davis), whose relationship with a Native American will not be tolerated by government officials. It’s fascinating to see issues presented in “The Quiet Gun” still debated today, though the movie retains a sense of finality. One could watch the picture and appreciate its tale of protection and justice, but its nearly prescient depiction of intolerance and the fight for frontier dignity gives the effort unintended but welcome dimension.

The Quiet Gun Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (2.35:1 aspect ratio) presentation arrives in rough shape. The print is riddled with scratches and damage, while speckling is a common sight. Flicker is also detected. Black and white balance is steady, preserving delineation. Fine detail is acceptable, capturing western textures, with costumes and set design particular standouts. Facial landscapes aren't a priority for the cinematography, but distances are handled well. Grain is managed adequately. Of special note are the main titles, which are presented windowboxed, breaking up the visual flow of the opening five minutes.

The Quiet Gun Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 Dolby Digital sound mix isn't free of hiss and pops, but the presence of age and damage isn't pronounced here, allowing for an appreciation of dialogue exchanges, which sustain their intensity with an encouraging level of clarity. Extremes are avoided, with no distortion detected. Scoring isn't completely clean, but it holds its shape and dramatic intent, with a secure position of support.

The Quiet Gun Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

There is no supplementary material on this disc.

The Quiet Gun Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"The Quiet Gun" features a supporting turn from genre legend Lee Van Cleef. His character doesn't add much to the story, but the actor plays a wonderful bully, with the opening scene devoted to his character's malicious ways. The rest of the effort isn't nearly as hot-tempered, aiming more for tragedy and a depiction of dented honor. "The Quiet Gun" never achieves a sharp pace, but it carries emotion quite well, funneled into an unusual tale of self-defense that slowly backs away from six-gun impulse to take in the presence of a more insidious evil: prejudice.