This is from my review where I note the film's positives and negatives:
The story is based on Will Henry’s “Who Rides with Wyatt,” a fictionalized novel that focuses on Wyatt Earp’s relationship with young Billy Clanton, but the names were changed for the movie. Wyatt becomes Marshal Kane (Mitchum), Billy Clanton becomes Billy Young (Walker Jr.) and the town villain is named after the corrupt sheriff of Tombstone, John Behan. The plot is similar to 1959’s “Rio Bravo” and 1966’ “El Dorado” while the tone is akin to “El Dorado” and 1968’s “Bandolero!” Speaking of the latter, the quirky nature of the score by Shelly Manne is reminiscent of the score to “Bandolero!,” albeit not quite as good, yet still very notable (of course, some hate it). Robert Mitchum sings the title song.
If you favor any of those three films you’ll likely appreciate “Young Billy Young,” although it’s the least of them. While the cast is great, with Mitchum towering as the fearless and confident protagonist, and there are numerous impressive Western visuals – e.g. the awe-inspiring locomotive/train, the magnificent stagecoach and the ensuing stagecoach hold-up attempt – there are too many glaring unlikelihoods. For instance, why don’t the bandits chasing the stagecoach simply shoot one of the eight horses linked to it? That’d bring it down real quick. Nevertheless, there was enough here for an enjoyable Western experience, even though you might say “Yeah, right” now and then. The chemistry between Mitchum and Dickinson is palpable and there’s a moving line the latter says to the former that steals the show.
While I can see
why the OP didn't like it, it has enough positives for me to give it a marginal thumbs up for those who appreciate the cast and 60's Western of this ilk.
My 150 (or so) favorite movies:
http://www.imdb.com/list/ls070122364/
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