Blu Ray review: The Maverick Queen (1956)
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Kino Lorber’s restoration of The Maverick Queen is important news for the many fans and collectors of western films. It has been too often overlooked among 50s-era westerns despite a lot of significance connected to it.
It was made for Republic Pictures, a studio noted for western films, from the A-level features of John Wayne to the B-level actioners of Gene Autry and Roy Rogers. It takes advantage of that studio’s Trucolor, which was in use from 1946-1957. And is the first to use its Naturama widescreen process, allowing a greater vastness to its outdoor establishing shots. It was produced and directed by Joseph Kane, perhaps the studio’s most prolific western movie stylist. It is based on a Zane Grey story. And it features Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid as characters, long before Paul Newman and Robert Redford defined those roles.
Barbara Stanwyck and Barry Sullivan star, a year before they reteamed for Samuel Fuller’s Forty Guns. It is perhaps the better known Fuller movie that has caused The Maverick Queen to be overlooked, as the later film has a similar plot. However, Stanwyck, as Kit, really resonates as a post Civil War cattle rustler who has acquired enough to own a hotel. However, she has not left her outlaw past in her connection with Butch and Sundance (Howard Petrie, Scott Brady). Sullivan comes to town as a stranger, and attracts Kit, much to the chagrin of Sundance who feels pushed aside. The cast is supported by a very pretty Mary Murphy, just coming off The Desperate Hours with Humphrey Bogart and Fredric March, as well as the familiar faces of Wallace Ford and Pierre Watkin.
The Kino release is a beautiful restoration; a brand new HD master by Paramount Preservation from a 4K scan of the original 35mm camera negative. Film historian Dwayne Epstein offers an informative and interesting commentary track.
The Maverick Queen is certainly a worthy addition to any western fan’s film collection. This beautiful restoration from Kino Lorber can be purchased at this link: MAVERICK
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