There Was a Crooked Man... (1970 film)

There Was a Crooked Man... is a 1970 American Western film directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz and starring Kirk Douglas and Henry Fonda. It tells the story of Paris Pitman Jr. (Douglas), a charismatic but ruthless robber who escapes from a brutal Arizona prison and is pursued by the newly appointed warden, Woodward Lopeman (Fonda).

The film blends elements of traditional Westerns with darker, more cynical themes, exploring corruption, morality, and the nature of good and evil. Pitman's cunning and ruthless ambition are juxtaposed with Lopeman's idealism and attempts to reform the prison.

The supporting cast includes Hume Cronyn, Warren Oates, Burgess Meredith, John Randolph, and Arthur O'Connell. The film was shot on location in Arizona and California. While not a major box office success upon release, There Was a Crooked Man... has since gained a reputation as a notable, if somewhat unconventional, entry in the Western genre, known for its strong performances and morally ambiguous characters. Its ending is particularly noteworthy for its bleak and surprising resolution.