The Train Robbers is an above-average John Wayne actioner, written and directed by Burt Kennedy with suspense, comedy and humanism not usually found in the formula.
The plot peg is simple. Wayne recruits a group to recover gold stolen from a train by Ann-Margret’s deceased outlaw husband, so her name and that of her child can be clear. However, Kennedy has provided a series of rich, deep individual characterizations, plus some intriguing red-herring plot twists.
Most important, for example, is the exposition of the Wayne character. Instead of the cardboard superman, he is given the added dimension of a man who actually could fall for a woman. Ann-Margret is most convincing in a role which requires that she be of her hardy environment, but above it enough to be credible as a lady-like, attractive widow.
