Title: Angel and the Badman
Year: 1947
Genres: Western; Romance
Director: James Edward Grant
Cast:
- John Wayne as Quirt Evans
- Gail Russell as Penelope “Penny” Worth
- Harry Carey Jr. as Ace Jeffries
- Bruce Cabot as Quirt’s Partner (Stubby)
- Irene Rich as Ma Worth
- Jerome Courtland as Bob Worth
- Esther Dale as Grandma Worth
- Jack Pennick as Joe “Tex” Evans
Synopsis:
Quirt Evans, a notorious gunslinger, is mortally wounded during a botched robbery and rescued by the Worth family, devout Quakers who nurse him back to health. Under the gentle influence of Penny Worth, Quirt is drawn to their pacifist way of life, torn between his violent past and the promise of redemption. When his old gang comes looking for him, Quirt must confront the choice between the only life he’s ever known and the chance for peace—and love—with Penny.
Trivia:
- This was John Wayne’s first starring role under his own production banner, Batjac Productions, giving him unprecedented creative control.
- Gail Russell, celebrated for her luminous screen presence, struggled with personal challenges off-camera, making her performance here especially poignant.
- The film’s blend of Western action and moral drama influenced later “redeemed outlaw” stories in the genre.
- Though a Republic Pictures release, the film eventually lapsed into the public domain and is widely available in budget home-video editions.