There Was a Crooked Man... 1970
"Of All the Crooked Men in All the Crooked West One of Them Was the Best!"
Joseph L. Mankiewicz's *There Was a Crooked Man... (1970)* weaves a darkly comedic Western tale set in the gritty confines of an Arizona prison. Kirk Douglas stars as Paris Pitman Jr., a cunning outlaw who masterminded a bank heist only to land behind bars.
Director: Joseph L. Mankiewicz
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is *There Was a Crooked Man... (1970)* about?
*There Was a Crooked Man... (1970)* follows Paris Pitman Jr., a clever and ruthless bank robber who winds up in an Arizona prison. Using his charm and a persuasive smile, he convinces his fellow inmates to help him break out, dangling the lure of his hidden treasure. But as the plan unfolds, alliances shift, and the true nature of his promises comes into question.
Who directed *There Was a Crooked Man... (1970)*?
*There Was a Crooked Man... (1970)* was directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz, a celebrated filmmaker known for his sharp wit and insightful storytelling in both dramas and comedies.
Who stars in *There Was a Crooked Man... (1970)*?
The film features an all-star cast led by Kirk Douglas and Henry Fonda, alongside Hume Cronyn, Warren Oates, and Burgess Meredith.
Is *There Was a Crooked Man... (1970)* worth watching?
*There Was a Crooked Man... (1970)* is a hidden gem for Western fans who enjoy clever dialogue and morally complex characters. While not as widely known as some classics, its blend of dark humor and sharp performances makes it a rewarding watch for those who appreciate mid-century cinema at its best.
How long is *There Was a Crooked Man... (1970)*?
The film runs for 123 minutes, or just over two hours.
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About *There Was a Crooked Man... (1970)* — Joseph L. Mankiewicz's Darkly Comic Western Classic
Joseph L. Mankiewicz's *There Was a Crooked Man... (1970)* weaves a darkly comedic Western tale set in the gritty confines of an Arizona prison. Kirk Douglas stars as Paris Pitman Jr., a cunning outlaw who masterminded a bank heist only to land behind bars. Inside the prison's iron gates, Pitman's charm and ruthless ambition collide as he convinces his fellow inmates to aid his escape—not out of loyalty, but with the promise of sharing his hidden loot. The film drips with irony, blending sharp dialogue and moral ambiguity against the sun-baked backdrop of the Old West. With a cast led by Douglas and Henry Fonda, *There Was a Crooked Man... (1970)* explores themes of deception, ambition, and the fragile alliances forged in confinement, all wrapped in Mankiewicz's signature wit and sharp storytelling.
The movie's tone balances humor and tension, offering a fresh twist on the classic Western genre. As Pitman's plan unfolds, the line between ally and adversary blurs, leaving audiences to question whether his promises are genuine or just another layer of his cunning. With its rich performances and clever script, *There Was a Crooked Man... (1970)* stands as a unique entry in the Western canon, perfect for fans of intelligent, character-driven cinema.