DUEL IN THE SUN

CAPSULE REVIEW –– More a woman's picture than a western, this oversized melodrama crackles with sexual tension, brutal anger and uncontrolled jealousy. The story revolves around Pearl (Jones), a young Mexican American girl sent to live with old family friends after the death of her father. She immediately finds herself the object of desire for both Jesse (Cotten) and Lewt (Peck), two very different brothers. She tries to ignore Lewt, but once he claims her for his own, there's no one who can save her from his predatory attentions. Jesse attempts to protect her, but family politics force him away from the ranch, leaving Pearl to fend for herself. She convinces herself that Lewt loves her and is going to make an honest woman of her, but she couldn't be more wrong. Their passion turns deadly as Pearl attempts to free herself from Lewt, who refuses to let go. This film was banned in many cities upon its' initial release due to its' sexual content. Peck's character is brutally charismatic and unrelenting in his desire for Jones. He doesn't take no for an answer and though she protests, she doesn't really mean it. Not exactly upstanding behavior. This was Jones first grownup role and she captures the duel nature of Pearl's desire fairly well. It's often way over the top, but Jones and Peck make up for it. Definitely not your average love story.