The Parson of Panamint (1941)
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First filmed in 1916, Peter B. Kyne's novel Parson of Panamint provided an excellent showcase for Charles Ruggles in this 1941 remake. As he looks over the dusty, deserted remains of the western "boom town" of Panamint, grizzled old prospector Chuckawalla Bill Redfield (Ruggles) recalls the town's glory days. Looming large in Chuckawalla's reminiscences is the day that young and apparently mild-mannerd minister Philip Pharo (Phillip Terry) rode into town. In his own gentle but forceful fashion, Pharo managed to bring the town's lawless element into line, mollify the local bluenoses, and win the heart of likeable dance-hall girl Mary Mallory (Ellen Drew). The highlight of a film is a tense murder trial, brought about by the killing of gambling boss and all-around villain Bob Deming (Joseph Schildkraut). Almost as easy-going as its protagonist, Parson of Panamint is a most unusual western; if it doesn't completely come off, at least it deserves an E for Effort. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Complete Cast:
- Charlie Ruggles - Chuckawalla Bill Redfield
- Phillip Terry - Rev. Phillip Pharo
- Porter Hall - Jonathan Randall
- Janet Beecher - Mrs. Tweedy
- Douglas Fowley - Chappie Ellerton
- Frank Puglia - Joaquin
- Harry Hayden - Timothy Hadley
- Rod Cameron - 'Son' in prologue
- Hal Price
- Ellen Drew - Mary Mallory
- Joseph Schildkraut - Bob Deming
- Henry Kolker - Judge Arnold Mason
- Clem Bevans - Crabapple Jones
- Paul Hurst - Jake Waldren
- Minor Watson - Sheriff Nickerson
- Russell Hicks - Prosecuting Attorney
- Paul Maxey - Bartender
- Director(s):
- William McGann
- Writer(s):
- Harold Shumate, Adrian Scott
- Producer(s):
- Harry Sherman
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