The Kid from Texas
The Kid from Texas
Billy the Kid becomes embroiled in Lincoln County, NM, land wars. When rancher who gave him a break is killed by rival henchman, Billy vows revenge. New employer takes advantage of his naivety to kill rivals, lets the Kid take rap. Kid takes to the hills with friends until caught. Escapes hanging but remains in area to be near employer's young wife with whom he's infatuated.
Magnus Parde reviewedSeptember 21, 2025
Another retelling of the Billy the Kid legend, yes—but this one finds its footing thanks to the ever-fitting Audie Murphy, whose youthful intensity and understated charisma make him a natural for the role. Murphy’s portrayal of William Bonney isn’t just convincing—it’s archetypal. If you’ve ever wondered where EsseGesse might’ve drawn inspiration for their comic hero Captain Miki, look no further. The resemblance is uncanny: both figures are principled, deceptively boyish, and carry a quiet resolve that commands respect.
This was Murphy’s first starring role, and it’s easy to see why Universal saw star potential. His performance is restrained yet effective, giving Billy a sense of internal conflict without overplaying the outlaw mystique. The film itself leans toward romanticized fiction rather than gritty realism, portraying Billy as a clean-cut avenger rather than a ruthless gunslinger.
Supporting cast? Mixed bag. Gale Storm, Albert Dekker, and Shepperd Strudwick fill their roles without much spark. Dekker’s character has some moral complexity, but the performances overall feel flat—more functional than memorable. The exception is Will Geer, who brings a welcome jolt of energy and nuance as O’Fallon. His scenes add texture and gravitas, elevating the film beyond its otherwise straightforward narrative.
📌 Final thoughts: The Kid from Texas may not be the most historically accurate Billy the Kid film, but it’s a solid showcase for Audie Murphy’s screen presence. For fans of pulp Westerns, comic parallels, or early Technicolor charm, it’s a worthwhile watch—especially if you’re tracing the lineage of heroic archetypes from screen to page.