Warlock (1959)
A tense, morally complex Western in which a frontier town hires a legendary hired gun to tame its violent streets.
Warlock - Movie Information
- Release Year: 1959
- Directed by: Edward Dmytryk
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Western
- Age Rating (US): NR
- Runtime: 2h 2m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): May 15, 1959 (Canada - PG), June 10, 1959 (United States - NR), May 15, 1959 (Germany - 12), January 1, 1960 (Brazil - e 12)
- Alternative Titles: Шериф Уорлока (RU), Der Mann mit den goldenen Colts (DE), Minha Vontade é a Lei (BR)
- Production Companies: 20th Century Fox
- Production Countries: United States of America
Warlock - Plot
A band of murderous cowboys has imposed a reign of terror on the town of Warlock. With the sheriff humiliatingly run out of town, the residents hire the services of Clay Blaisedell as de facto town marshal. He arrives along with his friend, Tom Morgan, and sets about restoring law and order on his own terms whilst also overseeing the establishment of a gambling house and saloon.
Warlock - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the lawless frontier world of Warlock come to life:
Wherever you've been ... Whatever you've seen ... You've never run into anything like Warlock.
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Warlock - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Edward Dmytryk
Main Cast
- Richard Widmark
- Henry Fonda
- Anthony Quinn
- Dorothy Malone
- Dolores Michaels
- Wallace Ford
- Tom Drake
- Richard Arlen
- DeForest Kelley
- Regis Toomey
Writers
- Robert Alan Aurthur
Producers
- Edward Dmytryk
Warlock - FAQs
What is Warlock (1959) about?
Warlock follows a lawless frontier town terrorized by a ruthless gang of cowboys. With their sheriff driven out, the townspeople hire Clay Blaisedell, a legendary hired gun, to restore order. The film explores themes of justice, loyalty, and moral ambiguity as Blaisedell's methods blur the line between law and tyranny.
Is Warlock available to stream for free?
Yes! Warlock (1959) is available to stream for free on several platforms, including Kanopy, Plex, and Pluto TV (with ads). It's also available on The Roku Channel and Mometu with ads, and on FlixFling for rental or purchase.
Does Warlock have a morally ambiguous ending?
Warlock is celebrated for its morally complex conclusion. The film refuses easy answers — Blaisedell's brand of justice ultimately undermines the very law it was meant to uphold, and the ending forces both characters and viewers to reckon with what order and legitimacy truly mean in a lawless land.
What is the relationship between Blaisedell and Tom Morgan?
The bond between Clay Blaisedell (Henry Fonda) and Tom Morgan (Anthony Quinn) is one of the film's most compelling elements. Their friendship carries deep loyalty and unspoken tension — Morgan is fiercely protective of Blaisedell, and their dynamic hints at a co-dependence that drives much of the story's emotional conflict.
Who are the main actors in Warlock?
The film boasts a stellar cast led by Henry Fonda as the enigmatic hired gun Clay Blaisedell, Richard Widmark as reformed outlaw Johnny Gannon, and Anthony Quinn as the loyal but volatile Tom Morgan. Dorothy Malone and DeForest Kelley round out a strong ensemble.
Is Warlock (1959) considered a classic Western?
Warlock is widely regarded as one of the finest psychological Westerns of the late 1950s. Critics praise its layered characters, moral complexity, and willingness to question the mythology of frontier justice — qualities that set it apart from more conventional genre fare of its era.
Who directed Warlock and what is the film based on?
Warlock was directed by Edward Dmytryk, one of Hollywood's most versatile directors of the era. The film is based on Oakley Hall's acclaimed 1958 novel of the same name, adapted for the screen by Robert Alan Aurthur. The source novel was itself a Pulitzer Prize finalist.
Where was Warlock (1959) filmed?
Warlock was filmed primarily in Utah, taking advantage of the state's dramatic desert landscapes to evoke the rugged atmosphere of the American frontier. The production was shot in CinemaScope and color, giving the film a sweeping visual grandeur that complemented its epic, character-driven story.
More About Warlock
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