Lightning Strikes Twice - A Modern Western Noir
Lightning Strikes Twice starts out with a young actress, Ruth Roman, heading out West for some relaxation after an illness wears her down. When she arrives at the Dude Ranch where she had a booking, things start to get interesting, especially after she meets the secretive, tomboyish proprietor (Mercedes McCambridge) and her disabled brother (Darryl Hickman). She stays on even though the ranch was closed, and learns about a man (Richard Todd) who was released from prison even though everyone in town thought he killed his wife. Roman meets the man and they fall in love, but she has her doubts about his innocence, even after they marry, fueled on by the ranch owner's jealous gossip. Add Zachary Scott into the mix as a friend of the suspected killer and throw in a few side plots then watch out as the sparks start to fly! I enjoy this film; it isn't the cream of the crop, but it's fast-paced, with good dialogue, great performances and a bang up ending. And the gorgeous scenery...
