A Man’s Mann

In noirs, tough and taut, made his mark
Their look, lensed by Alton, is dark
These Bs, harsh and bleak
With cruel, nasty streak
Depict world of crime that is stark

His Westerns show men under strain

Enduring both torment and pain

James Stewart as star

Bore many a scar

The West was Mann’s fertile terrain

For vengeance his heroes will quest

In combat, their honor, they'll test

While at them will gnaw

A doubt or a flaw

Dark secrets held close to their vest

For a short overview of the Westerns of
Anthony Mann by Robin Wood, click here