User Reviews

Tod Lohman is mistakenly believed to have caused the death of a member of the feared Boyd family. He's an honest cowboy but is fully aware that tough guys shoot first and ask questions later. With this in mind he flees southwards in the hope of saving his skin. On his travels he meets and befriends Amos Bradley and his adopted daughter, Juanita, it's a meeting that holds the key to Tod's future.

Henry Hathaway directs this one, and the first thing that sticks out is just how interesting his characters are, this is not just a throwaway Western, it has depth of feeling and lays out a story that isn't purely relying on action to entertain the viewers. That said, Hathaway doesn't skimp on the action scenes, an excellent beef stampede and an Indian pursuit, resplendent with horse jumping heroics, deliver promptly for the discerning action viewer. Based around the novel from Charles O. Locke called The Hell Bent Kid, this adaptation is adroitly telling the story of an honest and naive young man on the lam, it's the naivety of Lohman that gives the picture its emotional heart, all framed excellently by Hathaway in the Alabama Hills vista.

The cast are across the board solid, Don Murray, Chill Wills, Diane Varsi, R.G. Armstrong and a fresh faced Dennis Hopper all earn their respective pay cheques. It's understandably not up to the high standard of Hathaway's big hitters like True Grit and The Sons Of Katie Elder, it is however a picture that is definitely worth checking out if you are given the opportunity. 7/10

I have to concur with most of the comments made by past reviewers. This film, starring underused actors Don Murray and Diane Varsi backed by outstanding support by fine character actors like R.G. Armstrong, Chill Wills, Adolfo Acosta and a young Dennis Hopper among others, is a tense film with many nuances. One thing I would love to be able to ask Hathaway. There is a one second scene of comic relief in this movie. Hathaway directs a scene of a cattle stampede coming directly at the viewer. Suddenly there is a full screen shot of actor Jack Elam's inimitable face with a look of horror on it because he is a cowboy in the path of the stampede! This is his only role in the film and he is not credited. I'd love to know the story on that scene. See this movie. Edk313@hotmail.com

It was a memorable film that i first saw on 'Saturday Night At the Movies" when I was 12 years old, (six years after it was released in 1958). Being raised on a diet of TV and movie westerns, 'From Hell to Texas' stood out from all of them; I identified with the lead and had a crush on Diane Varsi that lasted for years.

I saw this feature only one more time when I was 21, just before shipping out to Nam. This time I identified with the scope of the film and the depth of the characters. Chill Will gave a memorable performance definitely a cut above his typical side-kick comic relief roll, and I thought it interesting for a father to actually help his daughter's suitor in such a unstinting fashion. Opposite Wills was R.G. Armstrong and his son Dennis Hopper, though the heavies one could not really hate them. It was through these characters that it was easy to understand that it is not the person who is evil it is the deed. This film has always been in the back of my head and deep in my heart, for it stood out as having both action and a message. I hope it will be transferred to DVD soon. On memory alone I give it an '8'out of 10.

This western has all the elements that make it highly watchable. It is fast paced and full of action, has interesting characters you care about and romance but not too much and good plotting. The casting is excellent especially with Murray in the lead and one has to wonder why it is sitting on a shelf somewhere while lesser films are on video and TV and shown repeatedly. The unavailability of this film and other good films make me wonder what the selection process involves and who makes the decisions that govern what we ultimately view. There are not many votes for "From Hell To Texas" but in my opinion that is because many have never had the chance to view it in the first place. On the other hand many mediocre films have many votes probably because they are available rather than of quality. I can think of at least half a dozen films that fall in the same category. There should be some better method of resurrecting films like "From Hell To Texas" so that generations behind me can at least have the opportunity to know that a film like this even exists.

Henry Hathaway's westerns are more ambitious than simple action films,their high moral standards favorably compare to those of John Ford ,Henry King or Delmer Dames.At first sight,"from hell to Texas " seems a plea against violence ,but it's not only that.

Although a sharpshooter ,Don Murray's character is nothing more than a child who is clueless.The scenes by the river are revealing:he's a shy prudish lad ,whose only guide is his bible and his mother's photograph .In fact,he's desperately searching for a father.On his way,he will meet two older,wiser men for whom he's only a kid . It's really amazing how much these characters feel the hero's weakness and how they want to protect him.

Another father is his fiercest enemy because this man thinks he's responsible for his son's death.The screenplay smartly avoids the events that led to the chase.

On one hand,a young man trying to find a place he can call home (you do not like solitude,don't you,he says to a horse ),on another a blind father who destroys his family because of a false revenge.

The rebuilding of a family,with ,in parallel ,the nearly destruction of another one.

I found this not bad at all, and was a little surprised that it was made in 1958; somehow it had a late sixties' feel to it. The strong point was R G Armstrong's patriarchal father with a curious sense of justice; having caught up with the fugitive Murray, he gives him a horse to replace the one his son had shot and then gives him a headstart before renewing the chase. The worst part was the cloying, instant romance between Murray and tomboy Varsi.

Incidentally, previous commentator edk313 reckons he spotted "Jack Elam's inimitable face with a look of horror on it because he is a cowboy in the path of the stampede! This is his only role in the film and he is not credited. I'd love to know the story on that scene." In the version I've just seen on British TV I didn't spot Elam, the only casualty of the stampede being one of Armstrong's sons. But it was quite common for film-makers of this period to borrow footage from another film for a battle or similar "big" scene; however, the footage of the pony stampede in FHTT does look as it was shot as part of the film.

Interesting and enjoyable Western with a deep meaning upon the power of forgiveness and an attractive ending . This cultured actioner Western contains noisy action , dashingly violent scenes , rider pursuits , impressive Indians attacks and loads of crossfire .This splendid motion picture was professional and convincingly directed by Henry Hathaway , doing an useful job and being well starred by top-notch actors . When ranch hand Tod Lohman (Don Murray who recently passed away) accidentally kills the son of a powerful rancher (R.G. Armstrong) , he panics and flees , as he on the run with posse on his trail . As the rancher carries out his vengeful crew hunt Tod down , being accompanied by his another wild son (Dennis Hooper) and crafty Mexican underling (Rodolfo Acosta) . Meantime , innocent Tod finds refuge with kindly as well as wealthy farmer (Chill Wills) . At the farm Tod falls for his daughter (Diane Varsi) but trouble won't remain far away for long time .

Exciting Western also titled ¨Manhunt¨ packs thrills , emotion , shootouts , go riding , a love story and including timeless resonance about a merciless as well as useless vengeance . Acceptable Western realized in the tradition of "StageCoach" "High Noon" and "Shane" . The screenplay achieved an important message by focusing on the morality of revenge . Striking interpretations by a good cast , particularly R.G. Armstrong as vengeful father in typical fire-eating form and Dennis Hopper who worked steadily in Western genre through the 1960s including twice more with Hathaway: "The Sons of Katie Elder" in 1965 and "True Grit" in 1969. Support cast is frankly well , plenty of familiar faces such as Chill Wills , Dennis Hopper , Jay C. Flippen , John Larch , Malcolm Atterbury , James Philbrook , Ken Scott , Margo and Rodolfo Acosta . Furthermore , Diane Varsi bringing his own brand of sweet charm to the role of beautiful heroine . Colorful cinematography in CinemaScope by Wilfred Cline , though a right remastering being necessary . Atmospheric and evocative musical score by Daniel Amfitheatroph .

This well-paced in cracking style flick was stunningly directed by Henry Hathaway and usually works very well , being capable handled in spectacular photography , adding gorgeous outdoors from Alabama Hills, Lone Pine, Iverson Ranch , Chatsworth, Los Angeles, Bishop, and Death Valley, California . Henry Hathaway does the human touch and full of insight that accompanied him during most of his films and the story develops pleasantly in large frames with an interesting plot and fully adjusted to the requirements of the action . His fetish actor was John Wayne , both of whom collaborated in various sincere Westerns , they included ¨North to Alaska¨ , ¨The sons of Katie Elder¨ and Wayne's Academy Award-winning ¨True grit¨, among others . Hathaway himself was only even nominated for an Oscar , but his movies themselves are testimony to his skills to heighten narrative tension and shoot action so exhilarating it made adrenalin run . Henry was a craftsman who had a long career from the 30s with successful films , and especially Westerns , as ¨Brigham Young¨ and ¨Raw Hide¨ . In his 60s Hathaway still got the vigour to make some fiery movies as ¨How the West was won¨, ¨Nevada Smith¨, and ¨Shoot out¨ . He was an expert on Western genre as he proved in ¨True grit¨ , ¨Five card stud¨ , ¨Nevada Smith¨ , ¨How the West was won¨ , ¨Rawhide¨ , ¨Brigham Young¨ , ¨Buffalo Stampede¨, ¨Garden of evil¨ , ¨The sons of Katie Elder¨ and , of course this , ¨From Hell to Texas¨ . Rating : nice Western , 6.5/10 .

Perhaps it was because of the title changes, or the lack of availability, or lack of TV time but this fine Western has been all but forgotten. Too bad. It deals with obsession and stubborness and how these decisions lead inexorably to disaster - as administered by Don Murray who really is not the catalyst (that may be disputed by some!). It came out the same time as Bonanza did on TV and yes there is a patriarchical family here too with such as John Larch as the eldest son and Dennis Hopper as the youngest. They both put in their usual fine jobs. This is a disturbing and unpleasant adult movie. I saw it once and never forgot it - and I'm still looking for the VHS.

This is a very decent film. For some reason, it doesn't seem to be available on videotape and I think it's a shame given how much stuff out there doesn't deserve to be on VHS.

I didn't think it was neither great nor terrible, rather average in my opinion but with a nice continuity and good editing. Some of it was a bit cliché but as I said, it remains decent and enjoyable.

7 / 10

Another example of a movie made before 1960 that is creatively able to portray anger, violence, love, and romance without profanity, nudity, or crudity. The character Tod is virtuous as are the characters of Chill Wills and his family. The western vistas are captured well by the photographer Dennis Hopper, known in more modern times for non-western roles plays a spoiled and insecure youngest son of the antagonist a role similar to his in the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral.

I always enjoy Chill Wills. He adds authenticity to any western. I have never seen him play a villain. This movie is no exception. He is a kind, upstanding, generous family man with a lovely daughter.

Just all in all an enjoyable movie. Just wish it did not have to end with the typical "riding off into the sunset" scene. I would rather have the movie 15 minutes longer and develop the good guys after the villains are gone.

I switched on the TV today and accidentally caught this movie (having missed the first 8 mins) on (Freeview) FilmFour (UK) digital TV channel.

The "info" panel said it was first released in 1958 and directed by Henry Hathaway - a name I recognised from all those movie history books.

All the other reviewers have told all you need to know about the plot. There are no cardboard villains here. One feels empathy for the "bad" guys too!

If you enjoy watching intelligent movies that your parents (or your grandparents) may have enjoyed watching on the big screen in their youth then this is a movie you should try to catch!

Most of Hollywood movies of 90s and '00s seem such forgettable dreck compared with this movie!

The stars, Murray & Varsi, are good if a little bland. The old-timers, Wills & Armstrong, steal the show & give the movie some extra flavor. Hopper plays the role of "the youngest son" with the usual angst we have come to expect from him. Nice scenery, simple plot, well-directed. Overall, an enjoyable adult western with lots of shooting. I rate it 8/10.

From Hell To Texas as cattle baron R.G. Armstrong on a mission. His eldest son was killed in a bar brawl, he fell on his own knife. But R.G. doesn't want to hear that. Armstrong has all his men out hunting Don Murray the young cowboy who was brawling with his son.

For a guy who says he has scruples about killing people Murray does a pretty good job of taking care of business. Murray starts a horse stampede to elude Armstrong's men and another of his sons Ken Scott is killed. Now with only Dennis Hopper of his brood left, Armstrong's mission intensifies.

Armstrong is the local Ben Cartwright, but Ben Cartwright would have a lot more good will and public opinion behind him then Armstrong can muster. In fact all kinds of people help in Murray's flight including Indian trader Jay C. Flippen and rancher Chill Wills who has six daughters at home with oldest Diane Varsi giving Murray the once over.

Henry Hathaway directed this and keeps action and the interest going. From Hell To Texas is a good A budget western even without any really big western names in the cast. A good one for western fans.

I just watched From Hell To Texas on You Tube, and if you like westerns it should be a must see. Why? Because it is a rarity that western fans probably should have not seen before: A Cinemascope picture ( meaning an "A" instead of a " B" western) that never shows up on Encore Westerns, GRIT, Turner Classic Movies or even Fox Movie Channel ( it was a Fox Movie). Not to mention, pictures that were made in the Cinemascope filming style show wide open spaces and beautiful scenery. One thing I do not agree with are the comments that along with Shane, this is the best western of the 1950's. From Hell To Texas is not even the best Don Murray western: Bus Stop was his best. Although modern day it qualifies. Why? Murray's character was a cowboy and competed in rodeos ( plus I will take Marilyn Monroe's Cheri over Diana Venora's Juanita any day of the week). If anyone wants to great westerns from that era, should instead put on movies starring Gary Cooper, Randolph Scott, Richard Widmark, John Wayne, Gregory Peck, James Stewart or Alan Ladd ( including One Foot In Hell co-starring: Yes: Don Murray)). I give the movie 7 out of 10 stars. Mostly.for the scenery and supporting actors RG Armstrong and Chill Wills.

I saw this for the first time recently n got pleasantly surprised. It is a well made western with sufficient action, drama n romance.

A mild mannered man Tod, good with shooting but refrains from taking life due to his dead mother's upbringing, accidentally kills a man in self defense. Hell bent on revenge, the dead man's family members pursue Tod relentlessly. Tod flees to New Mexico to seek his estranged father across desert canyon country pursued by his enemies but on the way he comes across people who likes Tod for his clear conscience. The film moves at a decent pace, it has some striking picturesque settings n a lil bit tension n suspense towards the end.

Despite the directorial reins of Hathaway, there is nothing on show here to lift 'From Hell to Texas' above the multitude of Western fodder released in the 1950's.

Murray plays a young man who is on the run from the Boyd family who think that he murdered one of their brothers. On the way he runs into the kindly father-figure of Amos Bradley and his fiery daughter, Juanita, who take him under their wing.

The main character of Tod Lohman isn't particularly interesting - he has a bible in his backpack so we know he's really a good kid - and he is developed along the lines of a Billy the Kid-type misunderstood youth who only needs a bit of parental care to become a model citizen.

By midway the film has played all of its cards and can only manage a low pair, as the story wanders towards a conclusion which offers no surprises. A stagecoach chase (complete with jumping from horse to horse in true Yakima Canutt style) and an Indian attack are added in an attempt to add some spice to what the producers must have realised was a pretty dull affair. When even Dennis Hopper comes across as square you know you're not in for an edge of your seat ride.

A film of interest to anyone studying Western themes and trends, but for the mainstream fan this is inoffensive but very forgettable.

The story deals with the pursuit of a young man by a family of Cattlemen in the Southwest. There's plenty of action and the story moves along at a quick pace, however it cannot compare to the novel(The Hell Bent Kid)by Charles O. Locke. For some reason Hollywood always seems to shoot for the happy ending, whereas the conclusion in the book was gut-wrenching. Not shown on TV very often anymore, but is available on VHS if you look hard enough, and it is worth the effort.

After his son is killed in a barroom brawl, a wealthy rancher by the name of "Hunter Boyd" (R. G. Armstrong) sends out his hired hands to track down and kill a cowboy named "Tod Lohman" (Don Murray) who he feels is responsible. Fully recognizing his predicament, Tod manages to evade these men until he meets an elderly rancher named "Amos Bradley" (Chill Wills) and his adult daughter "Juanita Bradley" (Diane Varsi) who offer him enough protection to allow him to get a good night's rest. But even so, Hunter Boyd is not someone who gives up easily and the chase begins again the very next day. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that this turned out to be a better movie that I initially expected due in large part to the solid plot and decent acting all around. Admittedly, it is a bit predictable and somewhat tame by today's standards--but even so I enjoyed this film for the most part and I have rated it accordingly. Slightly above average.

From Hell To Texas is an intense western tale of ranch hand Tod Lohman,who is on the run from a local ranch baron and his sons after the accidental death of one of the baron's sons. It's an underrated flick, as the actors do a good job, as you can feel the emotion of the characters. Also, the scenery is good and the action is well-choreographed.

This movie makes some strange choices. It's very straightforward about its plot, dropping us right in, and the tale of vengeance is clear-cut. On the other hand, the introduction of Amos and especially Juanita, among other characters, injects bizarre, extra-forthright levity into the proceedings that quite seems to break from from the tone the film had already been trying to establish. Meanwhile, whether as a reflection of their own skill sets or under the direction of Henry Hathaway, the actors are guided into portrayals that seem direct and overt, sometimes to the point of flamboyance, and that goes as well for the dialogue. And the plot, its development, and the characters all appear to me to be written with a "Just So" sensibility such that the picture almost comes off like the western version of a fairy tale, where the world isn't especially populated or sketched out and things are meant to happen just because that's how they're written. I'm not saying any of this as a mark against 'From hell to Texas,' mind you; furthermore, it's not as though there isn't any abject quality here, or that these traits don't also crop up in other titles. Even as the length broaches the halfway point, however, it's especially striking to me in these ways before anything else.

Even noting such peculiarities, though, I admire the simplicity of the tale in the broad strokes - a man on the run, and the people after him. There's also something refreshing about the feature's declination to give the audience especial reason to like or disilke or trust or distrust either party. Even as it emphatically posits Lohman as the hero and the Boyds as villains, save for that Lohman states opposition to killing, this could just as well be a detached story - a portrait, really - of life in the Old West, with a measure of moral ambiguity. The filming locations are beautiful, naturally, and as one quite expects of westerns, the production design, art direction, and costume design are splendid. Any stunts, effects, and bits of action are executed very well, some more notable than others, and broadly probably the best element of the whole; set against the more curious parts of the writing or direction there's some nice cleverness, too. Keep in mind that those curious parts include the casual introduction of a romantic aspect that feels distinctly contrived, and we also get treatment in the screenplay of Comanche that feels tired and somewhat stereotypical, but so it goes for the genre I suppose.

At no time does 'From hell to Texas' achieve a particular peak of vitality, and the more idiosyncratic inclusions never go away. Yet the strength of the film is in focusing on the dynamics between Lohman and the Boyd clan, and accordingly, as the title draws on it seems to improve (so long as it doesn't significantly divert). It helps that cinematographer Wilfred M. Cline made such a vibrant contribution to the production, smart and vivid and most noteworthy of all in any scenes of action. I'm given to understand that the editing of the feature faced a rougher road, yet that facet as it presents is terrific, crisp and mindful. And how can I not complement the DeLuxe coloring that enriches the visual presentation with such luscious hues? Modern works have the benefit of the very best of technology, yet color processing by way of DeLuxe, Technicolor, Eastman, or the like from the mid-twentieth century often seem to far surpass the fanciest, most stylish offerings of the twenty-first, and I sometimes wish the exact same techniques were employed today.

I don't think there's anything about this that stands out so much as to demand viewership. It's generally well made, if imperfect in various ways, but there are also many other movies - from this genre, or others - that are far more outstanding and essential. There are also, however, no flaws so severe as to altogether dampen the experience, so if one does have the chance to watch, it's a decent way to spend one's time. One needn't go out of their way for 'From hell to Texas,' but it's worth checking out if you come across it.

If you have an all-region DVD player, which costs less than $100, you may order a very fine anamorphic widescreen copy of this film from Amazon Italy.

Don Murray, on the run after an accidental killing, eludes R.G. Armstrong and a very young Dennis Hopper in this stark western from Henry Hathaway. Along the way he meets a rancher and falls in love with the man's daughter. A fiery confrontation with the dead man's family finally brings closure to this violent chase story. Well developed characters not usually found in this genre.

Hard to find and well worth the effort.