Best of the Badmen
“Here they come!”
Synopsis
After the North defeats the South, Union Maj. Jeff Clanton heads to Missouri to provide the Confederacy's Quantrill's Raiders a chance to claim allegiance to the Union, thereby clearing their wanted status. But standing in Clanton's way are the corrupt lawmen Joad and Fowler, who would rather keep the men outlaws to collect the reward on their heads. After Joad and Fowler frame Clanton for murder, he manages to escape, becoming an outlaw himself.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Best of the Badmen - Clip
Type: Clip • Published 2013-09-16
Top Cast
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Robert Ryan
Jeff Clanton
Claire Trevor
Lily
Jack Buetel
Bob Younger
Robert Preston
Matthew Fowler
Walter Brennan
'Doc' Butcher
Bruce Cabot
Cole Younger
John Archer
Curley Ringo
Lawrence Tierney
Jesse James
Barton MacLane
Joad
Tom Tyler
Frank James
Robert J. Wilke
Jim Younger
John Cliff
John Younger
Lee MacGregor
Lieutenant Blaine
Emmett Lynn
Oscar
Carleton Young
Wilson
Byron Foulger
Judge (uncredited)
Charles Morton
Gang Member (uncredited)
William Tannen
Bill - Adjutant (uncredited)
Release History & Theatrical Window
August 9, 1951
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- William D. Russell
- Screenplay & Story
- Robert Hardy Andrews, John Twist
- Original Score
- Paul Sawtell
- Original Title
- Best of the Badmen
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 24m
- Production Studios
- RKO Radio Pictures
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
William D. Russell
Robert Hardy Andrews, John Twist
Paul Sawtell
Edward Cronjager
Desmond Marquette
Herman Schlom, Samuel Bischoff
Department Leadership Roster
Robert Hardy Andrews
Screenplay
John Twist
Screenplay
Herman Schlom
Producer
Paul Sawtell
Original Music Composer
Edward Cronjager
Director of Photography
Desmond Marquette
Editor
Michael Woulfe
Costume Design
William D. Russell
Director
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
NR: Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.
Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Best of the Badmen.
Featured In Curated Collections
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Frequently Asked Questions About Best of the Badmen
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Best of the Badmen about?
After the North defeats the South, Union Maj. Jeff Clanton heads to Missouri to provide the Confederacy's Quantrill's Raiders a chance to claim allegiance to the Union, thereby clearing their wanted status. But standing in Clanton's way are the corrupt lawmen Joad and Fowler, who would rather keep the men outlaws to collect the reward on their heads. After Joad and Fowler frame Clanton for murder, he manages to escape, becoming an outlaw himself.
Who directed Best of the Badmen?
Best of the Badmen was directed by William D. Russell.
Who stars in Best of the Badmen?
The principal cast of Best of the Badmen includes Robert Ryan, Claire Trevor, Jack Buetel, Robert Preston, Walter Brennan.
When was Best of the Badmen released and how long is it?
Best of the Badmen was released in 1951 with a total runtime of 1h 24m.
Who composed the musical score for Best of the Badmen?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Best of the Badmen was composed by Paul Sawtell.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Best of the Badmen?
Best of the Badmen holds official age classifications: DE: 12 (FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.); US: NR (Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.).