Rough Night in Jericho Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Dean Martin ditches the martini for menace, becoming a ruthless town boss who forces a reluctant ex-deputy and a feisty widow to finally stand up to his unexpectedly violent reign, proving even suave crooners can’t escape a good old-fashioned whip-lashing.

🍿 Rough Night in Jericho: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Alex Flood’s Reign in Jericho

Alex Flood, played by Dean Martin in a rare villainous role, is a former lawman who has turned to illegal profiteering. He now controls most of the town of Jericho, enforcing his will through a band of hired gunmen. Flood’s ambition extends to owning every enterprise in town, including the stagecoach line.

Dolan’s Arrival and Molly Lang’s Resistance

The story begins with Flood ambushing a stagecoach carrying ex-deputy Dolan (George Peppard), who is wounded. Upon arriving in Jericho, Dolan meets Molly Lang (Jean Simmons), a strong-willed widow who owns the stage line and has steadfastly refused Flood’s attempts to take it over. Molly had previously summoned an old friend, Ben Hickman (John McIntire), to help, and he too arrives wounded from the ambush.

A Reluctant Hero and Growing Tensions

Initially, Dolan is cautious, seeing the overwhelming odds against confronting Flood and his men, and considers leaving town. However, his attraction to Molly grows, and the situation intensifies when Flood sends his men to intimidate Molly, resulting in her being physically assaulted. This brutal act prompts Dolan to finally step in and organize the few townsmen willing to fight back against Flood’s tyrannical grip.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Alex Flood (Dean Martin): A ruthless ex-lawman who now controls most of Jericho through illegal means and a hired band of gunmen.
• Dolan (George Peppard): A former deputy and professional gambler who reluctantly becomes the town’s defender against Alex Flood’s tyranny.
• Molly Lang (Jean Simmons): A strong-willed widow who fiercely resists Alex Flood’s attempts to take over her stage line.
• Ben Hickman (John McIntire): Dolan’s old partner and a former lawman who is ambushed by Flood, setting the stage for Dolan’s involvement.
• Yarbrough (Slim Pickens): Alex Flood’s brutal chief henchman, known for his sadistic methods of enforcing his boss’s will.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Dolan: “The way I look at it, a man starts choking a woman is looking to go to hell in a hurry. All I did was oblige him.” – Dolan says this dismissively after intervening and brutally beating Yarbrough, who was assaulting Molly, showcasing his dangerous nature.
• Alex Flood: “My only bad luck is you’re not dead yet.” – Alex Flood says this to Dolan, expressing his intense frustration and continued desire to eliminate his rival after multiple failed attempts.
• Alex Flood: “I own fifty-one percent of everything in this town.” – Flood asserts his absolute control and dominance over Jericho and its businesses, setting the stage for his conflict with Molly and Dolan.
• Dolan: “I had no intention of getting involved, but some things… a man can’t walk away from.” – Dolan expresses his reluctant commitment to challenging Flood’s tyranny after witnessing the abuse and intimidation Molly endures.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Rough Night in Jericho Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, I went into ‘Rough Night in Jericho’ mostly curious to see Dean Martin as the bad guy, and seriously, he nails it! It was wild seeing him shed his usual suave persona for pure menace. The dynamic between him and George Peppard’s reluctant hero was just fantastic; you could feel the tension building. And that fight scene with Slim Pickens? Absolutely brutal and totally unexpected for a film from this era – it genuinely made me wince! While the pacing sometimes felt a bit slow in the middle, the payoff with the escalating conflict and the final showdown was completely satisfying. It’s not your typical classic Western, but it’s definitely got its own gritty charm and some truly standout performances that left a lasting impression. I’d recommend it for anyone looking for an unconventional western.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic Hollywood westerns”
  • “Viewers interested in seeing Dean Martin in a rare villainous role”
  • “George Peppard enthusiasts”
  • “Audiences who appreciate ‘adult westerns’ with gritty action”
  • “Fans of intense, no-holds-barred fight choreography”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Significant violence, including brutal fight scenes”
  • “A scene depicting whipping”
  • “Physical assault and intimidation of a female character”

Professional Reviews

• Original: “Arnold Laven’s ‘Rough Night in Jericho’ offers a captivating western experience, largely due to Dean Martin’s surprisingly effective turn as a truly ruthless antagonist. George Peppard anchors the film with a strong, nuanced performance as the reluctant hero. While the narrative occasionally lags, its intense action sequences, particularly a memorable, brutal confrontation with Slim Pickens, keep you engaged. The film’s against-type casting and gritty characterizations make it a worthwhile watch for fans seeking a western with a distinctive edge.
• Original: “This film provides an intriguing look at Dean Martin in a role unlike any other, playing a villain with chilling conviction. George Peppard delivers a solid portrayal of a man drawn into conflict against his will, creating a compelling dynamic. While the plot has some conventional elements, the genuine tension and raw violence, especially one particular fight scene, elevate it beyond a typical oater. It’s an adult western that, despite minor imperfections, offers a satisfying and often intense viewing experience.
• Original: “‘Rough Night in Jericho’ is a watchable western, primarily for its daring casting choices. Dean Martin as the villain is a novelty, though his portrayal doesn’t always hit the mark of pure evil. Peppard is effective, but the script often keeps his character frustratingly passive in the first half. The film struggles to consistently blend its dramatic intentions with moments of brutality, resulting in an uneven tone. However, the supporting cast, particularly Slim Pickens, shines, and the climactic confrontations are well-executed.

Audience Reactions

Many viewers were surprised and impressed by Dean Martin’s strong performance as a villain, noting it was a unique role for him.: Audiences consistently praised the intense and brutal fight scene between George Peppard and Slim Pickens as a memorable highlight, and appreciated the film’s adult, gritty tone.

The reluctant hero arc of George Peppard’s character, and his eventual decision to fight back, resonated well with viewers.: The film was often lauded for its strong characterizations and the suspense built around the power struggle for the town of Jericho.

Overall Consensus: A solid, often brutal adult Western, ‘Rough Night in Jericho’ is praised for its against-type casting of Dean Martin as a villain and its intense action sequences, particularly a standout fight scene.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “This film marks the only instance in Dean Martin’s extensive career where he played an outright, irredeemable villain, a stark contrast to his usual charming or comedic roles.”
• “The brutal fight sequence between George Peppard’s Dolan and Slim Pickens’ Yarbrough, featuring a bullwhip, was considered exceptionally violent and realistic for a Western of its time.”
• “While set in the fictional town of Jericho, much of the outdoor scenery was filmed on location in Old Tucson, Arizona, and the picturesque areas of southern Utah, including Glen Canyon and Vermilion Cliffs.”
• “Director Arnold Laven was an experienced hand in the Western genre, having produced and directed numerous episodes of popular TV series like ‘The Rifleman’ and ‘The Big Valley’, which influenced the film’s grounded and gritty style.”

🖥️ How to Watch Rough Night in Jericho?

Rough Night in Jericho is a classic western that can often be found for purchase or rent on various digital platforms. You can check streaming services like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu for availability to buy or rent. It is not typically available on subscription streaming services, so purchasing a digital copy is often the most direct way to watch it.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Rough Night in Jericho, you might like these similar films:

• Rio Bravo (1959): Features Dean Martin in a similar Western setting with a strong ensemble cast, focusing on a group of lawmen defending their town against outlaws, sharing themes of courage and solidarity.
• High Noon (1952): Explores similar themes of a lone lawman facing a powerful threat while the town is reluctant to help, focusing on duty, courage, and personal responsibility against overwhelming odds.
• The Professionals (1966): A classic ensemble Western from the same era, known for its strong characterizations, intense action, and a more cynical, post-classic Western tone.
• Road House (1989): Shares a similar premise of a tough outsider brought in to clean up a corrupt and dangerous local establishment, featuring memorable, brutal fight sequences.
• One-Eyed Jacks (1961): A darker, psychologically complex Western that shares a raw, violent edge and a focus on betrayal and revenge, appealing to fans of gritty and morally ambiguous narratives.

🛒 Rough Night in Jericho Related Products

• Rough Night in Jericho (Blu-ray): Experience this unique Western in high definition, allowing you to fully appreciate the gritty cinematography and intense performances. Includes remastered audio for a truly immersive viewing experience.
• Dean Martin: The Westerns Collection (DVD/Digital): A collection featuring Dean Martin’s other notable Western roles, providing context to his unique villainous turn in ‘Rough Night in Jericho’. Explore his range across the genre.
• Red Dead Redemption 2 (PlayStation/Xbox/PC): Immerse yourself in a vast, detailed open-world Western adventure. Experience complex character dynamics, intense shootouts, and a gripping narrative that mirrors the grit and moral ambiguity of classic Western films.
• Vintage Western Movie Posters Art Print Set: A set of high-quality prints featuring iconic poster art from classic Western films, including those from the 1960s era like ‘Rough Night in Jericho’. Perfect for decorating your space.

🎧 Soundtrack

Rough Night in Jericho features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Hold Me” – performed by The Kids Next Door

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

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