The title of this film is misleading, a sheepman makes you think of a shepherd and a light comedy, and even though it is partly a comedy, it has its share of violence and drama. George Marshall was an expert at this combination of styles he directed "Destry Rides Again" (1939), "Texas" (1941), "Destry" (1954). What "The Sheepman" does not lack is great actors: Glenn Ford, Shirley MacLaine, Edgar Buchanan, Mickey Shaughnessy and Leslie Nilsen. Nilsen plays a charismatic "bad man", he seems so nice and friendly, and all of a sudden turns into a rattlesnake. Edgar Buchanan is Milt Masters, a likable guy with no morals and that has no qualms about it. Mickey Shaughnessy is Jumbo, supposed to be the toughest guy in town. There is a good chemistry between MacLaine and Glenn Ford, she falls for him gradually, which woman could resist such a perfect hero? Even though it has the same style it does not come close to "Destry Rides Again", but it is still an enjoyable western.

Gambler Jason Sweet is a proud winner of a herd of sheep in a poker game.He takes them by train into the middle of cattle country.They don't like it there too much.Local cattle baron "Colonel" Steven Bedford wants him to take his sheep and leave the town.That's not what he had planned.There is also some attraction between Jason and Steve's girl, Dell Payton.The Sheepman is a George Marshall western comedy from 1958.Glenn Ford does a great job in the lead.You've got to like Shirley MacLaine in the feminine part.Leslie Nielsen makes a terrific baddie, if you forget about his latter reputation as the rubber faced comedian.Mickey Shaughnessy plays "Jumbo" McCall.Edgar Buchanan is Milt Masters.Willis Bouchey is Frank Payton.Pernell Roberts portrays Chocktaw Neal.Slim Pickens plays the part of Marshal.Norman Leavitt is Town Loafer.The comedy is pretty nice in this movie.And so is the romance.In the end, at the last showdown we experience some intense moments.This is an enjoyable western comedy that will keep you satisfied.

Terrific M-G-M oater with both a comedic and a romantic slant has Glenn Ford playing the new sheep farmer in a cattle community; he deliberately stirs up trouble for himself with the locals, particularly villainous old acquaintance Leslie Nielsen, when reminding them that the grazing land is his to use as well--and if they wanna run him out of town, he'll fight them to the bitter finish. Shirley MacLaine is at the peak of her charms as a sarcastic gal who initially plays both sides of the fence. Very entertaining western with colorful production makes no overtures to deep meanings or powerful statements. On the frivolous side though it may be, it is one of the most satisfying westerns of the 1950s. Screenwriters William Bowers and James Edward Grant (Oscar-nominated) have fashioned a surefire character for Glenn Ford, who is irresistible. Good show! *** from ****

The interface between cattle ranchers and sheep herders is played for more amusement than viciousness. This movie came out before the violence reached the degrading state, but still has lots of excitement and suspense. Families with fairly young children can see this together without fear, boredom, or embarrassment. While it may not quite meet the current PC view of women, it still shows the female lead with a lot of personality and originality, without trying to make the men look stupid.