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- Only the Valiant Plot and Cast
- Why Gregory Peck Considers Only the Valiant the Worst Film He Ever Made
- What Fans and Critics Thought of Only The Valiant
- Where to Watch Only the Valiant
As a huge fan of classic Hollywood and Gregory Peck in particular, I’ve always been intrigued by the stories behind his films. So when I came across the account of him unwittingly inheriting the wardrobe of old-time leading man Rod Cameron for “Only the Valiant,” I was eager to learn more.
Actor Gregory Peck would become one of Hollywood’s most recognizable faces, turning out iconic performances in cinema from the 1940s to the 1970s. From his role as Atticus Finch in Robin Mulligan’s To Kill a Mocking Bird to his role as Joe Bradley across from Aubrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday, it isn’t easy to pick the best or definitive role of Gregory Peck. However, there was one movie that the actor regretted deeply, being rushed into the role in a film he never wanted any part in.
Let’s explore “The Brave and the Bold,” a 1951 Western film starring Gary Cooper that we’ll delve into. We’ll discuss how Cooper got involved with this project, his regrets afterward, and whether or not it lives up to the legendary actor’s criticisms. Feel free to join us in assessing its worth.
Only the Valiant Plot and Cast
In the New Mexico Territory following the American Civil War, the story unfolds with The Valiant focusing on Captain Richard Lance (Gregory Peck). Unloved by his soldiers due to his questionable leadership as a cavalry commander, Lance is tasked with leading a motley crew of soldiers to protect a mountain pass from an impending Apache attack. With backup still far away and the men in his troop harboring their own distrust towards him, the situation at the outpost becomes fraught with tension. The soldiers must confront not only each other and their personal struggles but also the ongoing conflict against the native population if they are to make it through alive.
In “Only The Valiant,” renowned Western actor Gregory Peck took on the lead character of Captain Richard Lance. With successes from previous films like “The Gunfighter” (1950) and “Captain Horatio Hornblower” (1951), Peck was already a recognized figure in the genre. Actress Barbara Payton graced the posters as the romantic lead, while veteran Western actor Ward Bond portrayed Corporal Timothy Gilchrist.
Barbara Payton, a stunning woman with a short film career, is best known for her role in the shocking B-movie “Bride of the Gorilla.” In contrast, Ward Bond may not be a familiar name, but he accumulated over 200 acting credits throughout his tenure. He graced the screens of many Westerns and renowned Hollywood productions such as “The Maltese Falcon” and “It’s A Wonderful Life.” Other notable actors in this cast include horror legend Lon Chaney and Academy Award winner Gig Young.
As a film enthusiast with a deep appreciation for the golden age of Hollywood, I’ve had the pleasure of discovering some truly iconic films during my journey through cinematic history. One such film that left an indelible mark on me is “Only the Valiant,” directed by the enigmatic Gordon Douglas.
Why Gregory Peck Considers Only the Valiant the Worst Film He Ever Made
In a 1995 interview available on Gregory Peck’s official website, Bill DeYoung recounted a conversation with the actor regarding various aspects of his professional life. One topic discussed was how Peck came to be cast in “Only the Valiant.” According to Peck, he was pressured into accepting the role without having read the script and on Selznick’s behalf. Peck received an unexpected call from Selznick’s top assistant asking him to report to Warner Bros. for a part right away. Despite expressing his desire to review the script before making a decision, he was eventually coerced into signing the contract for a film that didn’t pique his interest.
“I personally took on the challenge of creating that production. But the irony didn’t end there – when I arrived for wardrobe fittings, I was assigned the role of a cavalry soldier in an old Western film. They had prepared costumes consisting of pants, shirt, hat, boots for me. As I slipped into the pants, I came across a label bearing the name ‘Rod Cameron.’ He was a seasoned actor known for his tough guy roles in Western films. So I ended up wearing someone else’s old costume.”
Instead of being compelled to take on the role which left a bitter taste, Peck believed that making this film represented a major setback for him. Given that he had just completed his brilliant work in “The Gunfighter,” this seemed especially disappointing. The character lacked endearing qualities, and the production’s meager budget fell far short of the caliber of films Peck was accustomed to associating himself with. Known for being picky about his roles and scrutinizing his own performances, Peck aimed to progress in his career and strengthen his public persona. The film “Only the Valiant” remains the most despised experience for him, both due to the subpar production and the unwelcome role he was given against his will.
What Fans and Critics Thought of Only The Valiant
As a fan, I’ve always wondered if “Only the Valiant” by Peck wasn’t as poorly received as critics made it seem. While it may not have reached the heights of his previous successes, the film’s reception was more complex than just outright criticism.
Some people who have a slightly better than average view of the movie acknowledged that Peck delivered a convincing and well-executed performance, as one would expect from such a talented actor. Additionally, some critics argue that the film’s setting during the Cold War era adds depth and intrigue, making it an interesting historical artifact. Although the action sequences were produced with limited resources, many found them satisfactory. While the movie may not receive overwhelming accolades, dismissing it entirely would be too harsh a judgment.
Where to Watch Only the Valiant
Gregory Peck was known for being critical of his own acting roles. While “Only The Valiant” may not be one of his finest performances, it is a must-watch for completionists and Western genre enthusiasts. With a decent 6.5 rating on IMDb and 48% approval from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes, this film is still worth checking out. You can rent or stream “Only The Valiant” through Amazon or watch it for free on YouTube. For those who want to see Peck at his best in a Western role, “The Gunfighter” is highly recommended by fans, critics, and the actor himself. Fortunately, this classic Western is easily accessible and can be streamed for free on platforms such as Tubi, Peacock, Fubo, or Plex.
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2024-07-17 06:01