Bend of the River (1952)
A Technicolor Anthony Mann Western starring Jimmy Stewart. That says a lot already, and you might just remember that Mann and Stewart did 5 Westerns together (this is the 2nd, and the first in color) and they all have what you might just call integrity. Each is a bit different, and this starts by being one of a handful of Westerns that focus on Oregon.
It's before the Civil War, and the innocent pioneers have Stewart, who is unnaturally good at detecting and fighting Indians, as their guide and protector. Lucky for him (early in the plot) he saves Arthur Kennedy playing another man with a mysterious past, and the two team up.
There is a lot of nice filming here, not widescreen so it's tightly composed, including some rather nice day-for-night stuff that is convincing and has great restrained color. If you are squeamish about the characterization of Native Americans as ruthless killers, then the beginning to this story isn't for you. All stereotypes (true or not) are intact, but they are realistic and vigorous enough to work the plot, including some guerrilla warfare scenes, over-simplified but good drama.
Later, there are more archetypes that might seem like clichés if you want to see it that way. But focus on the unique qualities, the big plot twist half way in, the use of some African-American bit actors (who are given painfully stereotypical roles), and the grinding moral certitude that makes the main character, McLyntock, one reason Jimmy Stewart is admired for the movie. And oh, yeah, a young and not totally convincing Rock Hudson shows up, too.
The real conflicts here are between settlers, all pushed to their limits by food shortages and high mountains. Distrust turns to treachery turns to murder. And the love story beneath it all, which has no real grit, wins the day. The story has some jumps and a few places you have to let the improbable be possible. But things keep moving fast and it's a good ride overall.
A Technicolor Anthony Mann Western starring Jimmy Stewart. That says a lot already, and you might just remember that Mann and Stewart did 5 Westerns together (this is the 2nd, and the first in color) and they all have what you might just call integrity. Each is a bit different, and this starts by being one of a handful of Westerns that focus on Oregon.
It's before the Civil War, and the innocent pioneers have Stewart, who is unnaturally good at detecting and fighting Indians, as their guide and protector. Lucky for him (early in the plot) he saves Arthur Kennedy playing another man with a mysterious past, and the two team up.
There is a lot of nice filming here, not widescreen so it's tightly composed, including some rather nice day-for-night stuff that is convincing and has great restrained color. If you are squeamish about the characterization of Native Americans as ruthless killers, then the beginning to this story isn't for you. All stereotypes (true or not) are intact, but they are realistic and vigorous enough to work the plot, including some guerrilla warfare scenes, over-simplified but good drama.
Later, there are more archetypes that might seem like clichés if you want to see it that way. But focus on the unique qualities, the big plot twist half way in, the use of some African-American bit actors (who are given painfully stereotypical roles), and the grinding moral certitude that makes the main character, McLyntock, one reason Jimmy Stewart is admired for the movie. And oh, yeah, a young and not totally convincing Rock Hudson shows up, too.
The real conflicts here are between settlers, all pushed to their limits by food shortages and high mountains. Distrust turns to treachery turns to murder. And the love story beneath it all, which has no real grit, wins the day. The story has some jumps and a few places you have to let the improbable be possible. But things keep moving fast and it's a good ride overall.